Ministers accused of ‘cavalier’ stance on UK Post Offices

The Government’s “cavalier” stance on the Post Office closure programme is threatening the future of Europe’s largest retail network, Tories warned.

Shadow industry secretary Stephen O’Brien said the Government’s failure to recognise and promote the network’s strategic community value was an “indictment” of ministers’ record.

They had exhibited “a genuine lack of concern over the relentless Post Office closure programme being inflicted on almost every rural, suburban and inner city community,” he protested.

“This is causing anxiety and sheer hassle for particularly the most vulnerable, elderly and disabled in our communities.

“The Government’s high-handed approach to this cavalier closure programme leaves all these people sick at heart every time another post office is rushed to closure.”

He told MPs: “The network, which consists of over 17,000 outlets, makes up the largest retail network in Europe.”

Mr O’Brien, opening a debate, said sub post offices played a vital role in community life but their demise was accelerating.

The number of urban post offices had also fallen steadily in recent years, with 3,000 of 9,000 branches set to close by December.

Closures across the country demonstrated that the basis for selection was “flawed” and the consultation process “both truncated and a sham,” he said.

“It is plain the Government has a duty as sole shareholder, let alone the crying need on behalf of all affected local communities, to intervene to arrest the consequences of this flawed process and the apology of a consultation exercise.

“Will the Secretary of State now step in and get a grip?”

Mr O’Brien also criticised the new system for direct payment of benefits.

This had seriously impacted on profitability and sustainability of local post offices, he said.