First-class response! Tens of thousands respond to Post Office SOS

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/21173 ... Royal-Mail

The Government's Post Office Green Paper consultation shuts today and huge numbers have responded to an SOS for the ailing state-run business.

Tens of thousands have responded to an SOS issued by under-threat post offices in a major show of support for Britain's beleaguered high street.

The first comprehensive review of the ailing state-run company in 15 years sparked panic at the possibility of a slew of branch closures.

One option in the Government’s Post Office Green Paper - the consultation for which closes today - is to withdraw the minimum branch requirement, introduced in 2020 by the Tory-Lib Dem coalition after Labour slashed the network in the decade before.

It saw the Express launch the Save Our Post Offices crusade and triggered an unprecedented outpouring of support loyal postmasters toiling to provide lifelines.

Although the responses have not been made public, the Express has been told it is almost certain every single one of the 11,500 branches in the network will remain operational in a massive victory for communities across the UK.

The Government is undertaking the first comprehensive review of the state-run company in 15 years

The Department for Business and Trade said: "We hear every day about just how much post offices mean to communities across the UK, and it’s great to have such a wide variety of groups responding to our Green Paper.

"From postmasters to trade associations and banks to delivery companies, we look forward to working with each of them to build a Post Office fit to serve the public for generations to come."

Loyal postmasters have been forced to subsidise loss-making post and parcel services with retail offerings, such as mini-supermarkets and sales of stationery.

The ray of one hope for the scandal-plagued company is that it has remained one of the few constants of a high street torpedoed by the impact of National Insurance hikes and rate and rent rises.

The Post Office says it can help revitalise Britain’s battered high streets, drive economic growth and modernise public services but has work to do to regain public trust and reset its damaged relationship with postmasters.

Its plan includes becoming a one-stop-shop for enhanced banking and parcel services with new offerings, like advice for small businesses, and a place to pick up pharmacy prescriptions.

In return, it wants the Government to protect and reward the fragile network by recognising its unique social value and offer business rates relief in a move it hopes will be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in next month’s Budget.

The Government is consulting on the future of 11,500 branches

Post Office Chief Executive Neil Brocklehurst said: "We want to work with the Government to develop a clear vision for the Post Office to navigate the next decade and our response (to the Green Paper) sets out how we propose to do that.

"For me, it means strengthening our position on UK high streets and in rural communities to deliver those face-to-face services which so many people value, while also developing our online offer to become a more commercial, forward-thinking and sustainable business.

"Post Offices can play a central role to revitalise our high streets, drive economic growth and modernise government services."

Postmasters, some of whom have seen reputations and finances ruined by previous regimes, have been forced to subsidise loss-making post and parcel services with retail offerings like mini-supermarkets and sales of greetings cards and stationery. One suggestion in current discussions is to supplement counters with food, takeaway and delivery services.

One told the Express: "Our main concern is the financial viability of running a Post Office. Most postmasters’ retail businesses subsidise their Post Office and this is not right or sustainable.

"Post Offices provide essential services to our communities, yet postmasters are paying for it.

"I don’t believe the Post Office can ever be a commercially viable company and will always need a substantial subsidy or income from other sources in order to provide postmasters with a fair income."