Securing sustainability of the network is now the issue

Postcomm, the independent regulator for postal services, has commented on the Governments long-term plans to safeguard the future of a viable and sustainable Post Office network.

Postcomm Chairman Nigel Stapleton said:

Steps to secure the long-term sustainability of the Post Office network must now be the priority. The Governments timetable for closures is ambitious and it is vital that, at the same time, Post Offices are being given the right range of services and products to give them a long term future. In order for it to survive, the Post Office network needs a clear vision, well trained and motivated people and associated set of commercial products and services.

Postcomms 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, in October 2006, which is available on the Postcomm website (www.psc.gov.uk).