Post Office set to be forced to reveal branch numbers

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Post Office set to be forced to reveal branch numbers to avoid closures by stealth

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The Post Office could be forced by the Government to disclose how many branches it has in a move that could prevent further closures by stealth.

By Myra Butterworth and Christopher Hope
Last Updated: 12:03PM BST 02 May 2009

It follows warnings that there will be a higher level of unplanned closures ahead despite a compulsory closure programme coming to an end earlier this year.
Some branches will go bust and the Royal Mail cannot find enough sub-postmasters to keep them open, the industry regulator Postcomm has previously warned.

The Government is now calling for the Post Office to produce data about the number, location and accessibility of its branches across Britain.

It comes after Royal Mail revealed that the number of branches in England dropped by 29 per cent from 2000, from 14,292 to 10,324.

Normally 300 post offices close voluntarily every year, but Postcomm said it was concerned that this closure rate will quicken.

The Government's request – which comes in the shape of an amendment made to the Postal Services Bill being reviewed by the Lords next week – would help to highlight the rate of closure.

Pat McFadden, the Post Office Minister, said: "The Post Office network is part of the fabric of this country. It plays a vital commercial, public and social role.
"We want transparent information about how accessible the network is, in particular to small businesses, rural communities, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, to be published every year.

"This information will help us to work with the Post Office to ensure that the network maintains its wide national coverage and continues to serve all our communities well."

Charities and small businesses insisted that no-one should be left without easy access to a local post office.
John Wright, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The Post Office network is absolutely crucial to small businesses and to keeping communities alive.

"Small firms cannot afford to see any more Post Offices close."
And Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "We know that for some older people, even a 10 minute walk with no place to rest puts a branch out of reach.

"It is important that a close eye is kept on the newly shaped network to ensure promises are kept and no older people are left without access to post office services. The charity will be warmly supporting this important amendment to review access to post office services for older people."
A spokesman for Royal Mail declined to comment on the Bill.

[baldrick]

Have heard that one of the franchised Post Offices in our area is to be
closed because POL have raised the rent, and the franchisee says it
would no longer be financially viable. This would not be part of the PO
closure program.