Local consultation starts on changes to UK Post Office network

Post Office Ltd today opened the first local public consultations on changes to the Post Office network needed to meet Government requirements. Proposals for the future provision of Post Office services in three areas of the UK – Kent, the East Midlands and East Yorkshire with Bassetlaw and North Lincolnshire – have been published today and will remain open for consultation for six weeks until 12 November 2007. Under each of the Area Plan Proposals published today more than 99 pct of the population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch. Post Office Ltd is seeking views on the proposed future service provision in these areas, including, in particular, views on access to Post Office services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. The Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of over 14,000, while continuing to provide funding (subject to EU state aid clearance) to support a more sustainable network in the future. Further Area Plan proposals addressing Post Office service provision across the UK will be published and consulted on over the next 12 months. The first closures proposed in these plans would take place in January 2008, with all changes expected to be completed by the end of that year. The Area Plan Proposals published today support the Government’s new criteria and, if implemented, would mean 295 Post Office branches remain open in Kent, a reduction of 58 from the present position. In the East Midlands, 360 branches would remain open, a reduction of 77, and in East Yorkshire with Bassetlaw and North Lincolnshire, 336 branches would remain open, a reduction of 45.