Concerns with the UK Government's post office closure proposals
The influential Counters Advisory Group, chaired by Elizabeth Hodder of Postwatch, has today written to Postal Services Minister Jim Fitzpatrick setting out its concerns with the Government’s proposals for the closure of 2,500 post offices. The Minister attended the group’s meetings in December and January.
The group wants, among other things:
• All local factors which affect a community to be taken into account when deciding the future of individual post offices.
• The timetable for the restructuring programme to be flexible enough to secure the right outcome for customers.
• Local consultations to take place over 12 weeks and not 6 as wanted by the Government.
• Outreach solutions (like mobile post offices) to be in place before the post offices they replace close.
In support of these points, Elizabeth Hodder said:
“The Government’s proposals unnecessarily restrict the factors to be taken into account to distance and topography. The majority of the group want issues like the availability of public transport, walking distance to the nearest post office (not just as the crow flies measurements), the effect on the local economy and relevant socioeconomic factors such as age, health and deprivation to be assessed.
“The Government wants the programme finished within 18 months. Why rush? It should take as long as necessary to yield the best outcome for customers.
“Local communities and their representatives should not be rushed into giving their views. Time must be allowed for them to consider the proposals properly, discuss them with others and to decide whether their needs will still be met. The Government seems to want to bring the shutters down before communities can prepare a robust response.
“We support mobile and other outreach solutions as better for communities than having no access to post office services. But it is important they are implemented efficiently. Communities should not have to wait for the outreach services to begin after a closure.”
Notes to editors
1. The full text of the letter sent to Jim Fitzpatrick can be viewed at
www.postwatch.co.uk
2. The aim of the Group is to promote the views, concerns and interests of all consumers and in particular people with disabilities, the elderly, those on low incomes and people who reside in rural areas.
3. The following are members of the Counters Advisory Group:
Age Concern
Commission for Rural Communities
Federation of Small Businesses
Help The Aged
Local Government Association
Citizens Advice
National Association of Local Councils
National Consumer Council
National Federation of Women’s Institutes
Postcomm
Postwatch (Chair)
Public Utilities Access Forum
Townswomen’s Guild
Village Retail Services Association
