UK Post offices' future 'lies with unique services'

Distinct products and unique services could safeguard the future of the threatened post office network.

That was the view of about 20 of Moray’s sub-postmasters and postmistresses who met last night to discuss the latest challenges facing their businesses.

The meeting at Elgin Community Centre was organised by Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead and MP Angus Robertson, following the Government’s announcement in December that 2,500 branches across the UK will close by 2009.

It is not known how many in Scotland will be affected, but estimates range from 300 to 600.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said in December the cuts were needed because of losses of GBP4million a week.

Last night, those in Moray said some of the area’s post offices may no longer be viable, and that will be due in part to Government policy.

A sub-postmaster from Craigellachie said constant decisions to share once-unique post office services with other outlets was crippling the service.

He said: “Taking pensions away from us, taking TV licences away, putting their own mail out to other people – it is the Government’s policy that has got us where we are now.”

Sherry Playle, of Portgordon post office, said: “Each little item they take away adds up, and it makes less reason for people to have to cross our threshold.”

And a representative from a nearby post office at Buckie said: “If they give us the stuff to do, we can do it. Five years ago the post office was nowhere with bureau de change, and now it is the number one biggest supplier in the UK.

“We’ve made it number one for the post office, so give us more products like that to sell and we can do the job for you.”

Announcing the proposal, Mr Darling promised a GBP1.7billion package for the period up to 2011, including compensation, thought to be aboutGBP70,000 each, for sub-post office proprietors ordered to close.

There will also be an on-going subsidy of GBP150million a year to maintain a network of the remaining 12,000 main and sub-post offices.

But some at the meeting last night said they did not want a subsidy – they wanted to be part of a vibrant business that sustained itself.

They also expressed their desire to see the £1.7billion package spent wisely.

Former Fochabers sub-postmaster Paul McBain said: “They need to spend that money looking for business that is going to keep the post office vibrant.

“The infrastructure is there, the people are there, and if they get good products we can keep going.”

Further concern was raised at the amount being lost by the Crown Offices, which are directly managed post office branches.

One postmaster said: “We don’t mind subsidising the small offices. We think that is good, but what we do object to is the GBP1.5million the Crown Offices are losing – surely the Government can sort that out.”