Scottish councils urged to use post offices

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Councils in Scotland have been urged to use Post Office branches to deliver more services.

A new report by Consumer Focus Scotland, which monitors postal services, said local authorities should use the 1,400 branches around the country and called on the Scottish government to look at what services could be delivered through post offices.

The report said residents are currently able to access some council services through post offices, including the payment of council tax and arranging meals on wheels.

It added that post offices in other countries, including Australia, Ireland and Switzerland already offer a wide range of government services.

'It's time for the Scottish Government, councils and the Post Office to come together and develop a plan that will boost our post offices and the services they offer vulnerable people,' said Consumer

Focus Scotland's postal services policy manager, Anne McGovern.

Age Scotland's senior policy and parliamentary officer, Callum Chomczuk,said post offices were valued by people on low incomes for their security and privacy.

'Post offices working in partnership with local authorities could be better positioned to target services at previously hard to reach constituents,' said Mr Chomczuk.