Postcomm welcomes Government's 'first step' on Post Offices
14 December 2006
Postcomm, the independent regulator for postal services, today welcomed the Government’s decision to consult on the future of post offices, seeing it as a necessary first step towards creating a sustainable network.
The regulator stressed the Government consultation needs to be responded to in a proactive fashion by all local communities to ensure that customers’ needs are properly identified and addressed now and in the longer term. Postcomm believes this will be the best way to ensure the right level and type of provision through Post Offices, mobile Post Offices and local partnerships (such as with libraries, police stations and pharmacies).
Postcomm emphasised that there is no ‘magic formula’ for deciding where Post Offices should be located across the UK. The development of access criteria can provide a starting point and they must take account of the needs of vulnerable groups and others and of the local conditions in rural and remote areas. Of even greater importance is the strong engagement of local authorities and full consultation with MPs, Postwatch, and the general public.
Postcomm Chairman Nigel Stapleton said:
“We welcome today’s decision as a good first step towards addressing the serious problems facing the Post Office network which Postcomm, along with many others, has been highlighting over the last two years. It is vitally important for the Government to ensure that its actions result in a network that is genuinely sustainable and that there is enough business and revenue to secure it, particularly for vulnerable people, and those who live in deprived or isolated areas.
“Postcomm hopes that the Government’s consultation becomes a key part of the work to ensure that customers have access to vital services such as government, financial and postal services through a network of Post Offices, mobile Post Offices and local partnerships. The development of access criteria for Post Offices will need to ensure continued access to Post Office services for the more vulnerable members of society and those who may not have any other alternative.”
Postcomm believes the Post Office network needs a clear vision and a viable set of products and services that are valued by its customers if it is to survive. As postal regulator, Postcomm would also urge the government to look at the business opportunities for Post Office Ltd through Royal Mail and other postal operators offering a greater range of services to customers through Post Offices.
Notes for editors
Postcomm’s statutory role requires it to monitor developments in the Post Office network and provide advice to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, but it is not its role to make decisions on the future of either the network as a whole, or of any individual Post Office.
Postcomm aims to make sure that:
- Royal Mail provides universal access to postal services;
- the government has clear advice about developments in the Post Office network and its role;
- attention is focused not on Post Office numbers, but on making sure customers have sufficient access to Post Office services to meet their current and future needs; and
- the provision of Post Office services takes account of the needs of vulnerable groups and those living in isolated and deprived areas.
Postcomm issued a report, entitled “Post Offices at the crossroads” (pdf, 2.8MB), in October 2006.
Department of Trade and Industry's news release - "Government sets out proposals to preserve National Post Office network" (external website).
