Post Bank widely supported say CWU
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has added its voice to calls for a ‘Post Bank’ to help secure the future of the UK’s post office network.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has added its voice to calls for a ‘Post Bank’ to help secure the future of the UK’s post office network.
A new poll reveals that some 74% of voters supported the idea with only 15% against it. The poll, published by Politicshome, indicates widespread support for the concept which would see an alternative to commercial banks.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “This is an idea whose time has come. The Post Bank provides solutions for people who are disillusioned with traditional banking as well as a sustainable future for the Post Office. This poll clearly shows the popularity and demand across the political board for a people’s Post Bank.”
The government is providing up to £1.7bn of funding to the Post Office network, including £150m a year to help support a network of around 11,500 branches to 2011 and has said that it will continue to support the non-commercial network beyond this date.
Business secretary Lord Mandelson said: “I am passionate about the Post Office and strongly believe that if the right steps are taken there is a positive future for the network. But nostalgia is not a currency that will enable the Post Office to thrive.
“The Post Office’s trusted brand, unrivalled network, experienced staff and the new technology being purchased for the DVLA contract put the company in an excellent position to bid for other work. It can turn itself into a real front office for government.”
No firm plans have been made by government to approve the introduction of a ‘people’s bank’ but there are signs it may be warming to the idea. Both the CWU and the National Federation for Subpostmasters (NFSP) are presently putting pressure on government to act swiftly but Lord Mandelson may see it as an opportunity to help drive through his controversial Postal Services Bill, which would see up to 49% of Royal Mail sold to another postal operator. The NFSP has warned that any further delay could see a new wave of closures as subpostmasters struggle to find business during the recession.
The Post Bank coalition launched their proposal for a permanent publicly-owned Post Bank based on the post office network in March.
