Menu
17/05/2007
Thousands of post offices close set to close
Around 2,500 post offices in the UK are set to close by 2009.
Trade & Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said that the current network was unsustainable, due to new technology and changing lifestyles, and that it was currently losing £4 million per week.
Mr Darling announced that the government would invest £1.7 billion in order to support the network, including an annual subsidy of up to £150 million per year until 2011.
No decisions have been made on individual post offices and there are no local quotas for closures. A series of local consultations will be held in order to determine which post offices will close.
However, there are plans to set up 500 new 'Outreach' outlets for small remote communities - including mobile post offices and services in village halls, community centres and pubs.
Announcing the plans, Mr Darling said: "Post offices play an important social and economic role in the communities they serve and the government is determined to maintain a national post network allowing people to have reasonable access across the whole country.
"As is widely acknowledged, it will mean some closures in a network of 14,000 offices, over eight times the size of Tesco. But piecemeal closures are no good for anyone and won't put the network back on track. The post office must plan a proper national network and innovate. To look more at post offices where people are, be it through mobile offices, village halls, community centres or pubs.
"We are playing our part and will continue to. This balanced package gives the post office network the chance to compete."
The Liberal Democrats accused the government of "sounding the death knell for many communities across the country". The party has put forward a plan for an additional £2 billion investment in the post office, which, they claim, will create a "thriving network".
The party's trade and industry spokesperson Susan Kramer said: "Villages that have already lost their school and shops, elderly residents in the suburbs who risk losing their independence and the poorest in our inner cities all now face a bleak future.
"The collapse in morale across the whole network will lead to many more closures than the thousands announced today.
"The government sees only a business in inevitable decline. Its plan is designed purely to save money and has nothing to do with meeting the long-term needs of people who rely on post offices for essential services."
(KMcA/JM)
Trade & Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said that the current network was unsustainable, due to new technology and changing lifestyles, and that it was currently losing £4 million per week.
Mr Darling announced that the government would invest £1.7 billion in order to support the network, including an annual subsidy of up to £150 million per year until 2011.
No decisions have been made on individual post offices and there are no local quotas for closures. A series of local consultations will be held in order to determine which post offices will close.
However, there are plans to set up 500 new 'Outreach' outlets for small remote communities - including mobile post offices and services in village halls, community centres and pubs.
Announcing the plans, Mr Darling said: "Post offices play an important social and economic role in the communities they serve and the government is determined to maintain a national post network allowing people to have reasonable access across the whole country.
"As is widely acknowledged, it will mean some closures in a network of 14,000 offices, over eight times the size of Tesco. But piecemeal closures are no good for anyone and won't put the network back on track. The post office must plan a proper national network and innovate. To look more at post offices where people are, be it through mobile offices, village halls, community centres or pubs.
"We are playing our part and will continue to. This balanced package gives the post office network the chance to compete."
The Liberal Democrats accused the government of "sounding the death knell for many communities across the country". The party has put forward a plan for an additional £2 billion investment in the post office, which, they claim, will create a "thriving network".
The party's trade and industry spokesperson Susan Kramer said: "Villages that have already lost their school and shops, elderly residents in the suburbs who risk losing their independence and the poorest in our inner cities all now face a bleak future.
"The collapse in morale across the whole network will lead to many more closures than the thousands announced today.
"The government sees only a business in inevitable decline. Its plan is designed purely to save money and has nothing to do with meeting the long-term needs of people who rely on post offices for essential services."
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2004
Norfolk post offices take on policing duties
Post offices in the Norfolk area will take on some policing services from today under a pilot scheme designed to improve community access to police in the area.
Norfolk post offices take on policing duties
Post offices in the Norfolk area will take on some policing services from today under a pilot scheme designed to improve community access to police in the area.
07 May 2013
Strike Underway At Crown Post Offices
A one-day strike is underway at some 370 Crown Post Offices across the UK, in a dispute over closures, franchising, jobs and pay. 70 of the Crown Post Offices, the bigger post office branches found on high streets, are to be franchised or partnered with a retailer.
Strike Underway At Crown Post Offices
A one-day strike is underway at some 370 Crown Post Offices across the UK, in a dispute over closures, franchising, jobs and pay. 70 of the Crown Post Offices, the bigger post office branches found on high streets, are to be franchised or partnered with a retailer.
16 September 2004
Rural Post Offices to receive further funding
A new government support package worth £300million has been allocated for rural post offices from 2006-2008 it was announced today. The current three year funding initiative which runs until 2006 aims to enable Post Office Ltd to continue to meet the cost of maintaining the non-commercial part of the rural post office network.
Rural Post Offices to receive further funding
A new government support package worth £300million has been allocated for rural post offices from 2006-2008 it was announced today. The current three year funding initiative which runs until 2006 aims to enable Post Office Ltd to continue to meet the cost of maintaining the non-commercial part of the rural post office network.
18 October 2006
Postmasters call for safeguard of rural offices
Postmasters are calling for urgent action by the government in order to safeguard rural post offices. The National Federation of Subpostmasters held a rally in London on Wednesday, while a petition of four million names was handed into 10 Downing Street. The NFSP general secretary Colin Baker warned that this was now "crunch time" for post offices.
Postmasters call for safeguard of rural offices
Postmasters are calling for urgent action by the government in order to safeguard rural post offices. The National Federation of Subpostmasters held a rally in London on Wednesday, while a petition of four million names was handed into 10 Downing Street. The NFSP general secretary Colin Baker warned that this was now "crunch time" for post offices.
14 December 2006
Losses force Post Office closures
Around 2,500 of the UK's post offices are expected to close by 2009 due to financial losses. The Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling today told MPs that the cuts were needed because of substantial losses of around £4 million a week. He also announced plans of a five-year investment package of £1.
Losses force Post Office closures
Around 2,500 of the UK's post offices are expected to close by 2009 due to financial losses. The Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling today told MPs that the cuts were needed because of substantial losses of around £4 million a week. He also announced plans of a five-year investment package of £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
