Post offices - securing their future - Business and Enterprise Committee Contents


Memorandum submitted by Pinchbeck W.I.

Question 1:   What services should the Post Office network offer?

 (a)   From Government

  It is important the Government recognises the important social value of Post Offices by giving preference to the network in the distribution of Government services.

  We would like the Government to stop removing services from Rural Post Offices thus reducing their revenue, and look at more efficient ways to carry out their business through Post Offices by using modern technology.

  It is important the Government actively encourages Local Authorities to make their services accessible through Rural Post Offices. They should also look at the provision of Business and Personal Banking for all Banks through Rural Post Offices.

 (b)   From Local Authorities.

  We feel Local Authorities should be encouraged to utilise the Post Office network for payment services.

 (c)   Other Sources.

  Competitive and extensive cover for UK, European and Worldwide Single or Multi Trip Travel Insurance.

  Commission free purchase and buy back foreign currency and American Express Travellers Cheques.

 (d)   To what extent would these measures increase the network's commercial viability?

  These measures would help to increase Sub-Postmasters income, which has fallen considerably.

Question 2:   How much account should be taken of

 (a)   Costs to the taxpayer in providing services through the Post Office rather than through cheaper channels?

  In Rural areas the public would most probably be prepared to consider a reasonable tax increase if it meant keeping their Post Office open.

 (b)   Consumer preference for alternative channels?

  There are no doubt some consumers who welcome alternative channels, but should this deny others the right to continue using the excellent personal service they have received for many years, and come to rely on..

  The economic and social importance of Post Offices has been well documented, particularly in rural and deprived urban areas.

Question 3:   To what extent would a desire for the presence of a Post Office or Post Office Services translate into actual use of those services?

  We have been very fortunate to have always been able to avail ourselves of these services in Pinchbeck, and long may we continue to do so.

Question 4:   What are the impacts of the availability of Post Office facilities for businesses, and local residents; and in particular how significant is the network in aiding social and financial inclusion.

  Research by Postwatch and the London Assembly demonstrated the inconvenience caused to many local businesses in both rural and urban areas where Post Offices had recently closed. Local businesses can keep down the cost of petrol and lost work time in travelling to the Post Office to post letters and parcels if their local Post Office is close to hand. Most affected are those who are already vulnerable to social and financial exclusion, such as older and disabled people or those on low incomes. They will often find it difficult to access a Post Office which is further away because of the cost of transport and difficulty in physically reaching the service. Sub-Postmasters play an invaluable role in communities by providing support for vulnerable residents, and frequently interpret official letters and forms, in addition to offering emotional support.

Question 5:   What level of subsidy, if any, per Post Office would be reasonable in the long run?

  The level of subsidy would be determined by how much extra income the Government is able to generate for Sub-Post Offices by recognising the importance of giving preference to the network in the distribution of its services, and ending its habit of peeling away from Post Offices the services which help provide them with a reasonable income.

  We look forward to learning the outcome of the Business and Enterprise Committee's new inquiry.

March 2009








 
previous page contents next page

House of Commons home page Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries index

© Parliamentary copyright 2009
Prepared 7 July 2009