Postwatch evidence on UK Crown Post Offices

Postwatch gave evidence to the Trade and Industry Committee earlier today.

Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services, welcomes the timely
inquiry by the Trade and Industry Committee into the future of the Crown
Office Network and looks forward to helping the Committee with its work.

Giving evidence Peter Carr, Chairman of Postwatch, said: “I am delighted the
Trade and Industry Committee is continuing its interest in the future of the
555 remaining Crown Post Offices.

“These Offices are very important to customers. Whilst they represent less
than 4 per cent of the post offices in the UK they transact over 25 per cent
of all post office business and 7 million customers visit them each week. No
Crown Office closures should be proposed until the Committee’s findings are
known and a comprehensive strategy is in place.

“Postwatch is, of course, disappointed that the disposal of up to 235 Crown
Post Offices was not addressed alongside the Urban Network Reinvention
Programme. About 2500 sub post offices will close under that programme by
April 2005. Post Office Limited has missed an opportunity to show
customers, MPs and others that it is working to a plan, which ensures
continuing access for all to post office services.

“The piecemeal approach being adopted does not give communities confidence
that the post offices they have are safe.

“The lessons learnt during the Urban Network Reinvention Programme must be
recognised. In particular the length of time allowed for consultation, the
provision of adequate information for stakeholders and the provision of
independent arbitration for disputed cases.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Chairman of Postwatch, Peter Carr, give evidence supported by Kay
Dixon, Chair of Postwatch Greater London and Ian Fisher, senior director for
network policy.

2. A Crown Post Office (also known as a Branch Office) is one that is
directly managed by Post Office Limited. There are currently around 555
Crown Offices in the UK.

3. Postwatch’s evidence, which includes 10 recommendations is on its website
www.postwatch.co.uk under policy documents

More information

Contact Andy Frewin on 020 7 259 1223 or 07900 263 004

Daryl Barrett on 0207 259 1239 or 07900 263 020

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