Irish Postmasters call for motor tax switch to post offices
The Irish government has been urged to introduce motor tax services at post offices and make significant cost savings.. The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) has said the initiative, if introduced in October’s Budget, could save the taxpayer €27m over the next five years.
IPU president, Ciaran McEntee, said it would be a major boost to the post office network.
“Many people do not realise the ever-increasing range of services available through the Post Office. As well as the standard Postal Services and Welfare Payments; Post Offices now provide Passport Express, NTMA savings, property tax, Garda fixed fines, dog licenses and banking services,” he said.
“We know there is strong support for keeping post offices at the heart of the community and postmasters want to work with government, financial service providers and customers to provide the products and services that will make this happen.
“The success of the passport express system is an example of what the post office network can do,” Mr McEntee added.
A report by Grant Thornton on the future of the post office network found that moving the renewal of motor tax to post offices could save the taxpayer €27m over five years.
It would have an overall benefit of €63m, when the additional business it would bring to post offices is factored in.
The report estimated that there is a transaction cost of €15-€20 for Motor Tax renewal in the current system. Postmasters are offering to deliver it for €2 per transaction.
A cross-departmental Working Group was established by the Irish Cabinet last May to identify what additional public services could be provided through the post office network.
