Carmichael welcomes launch of People's post bank

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Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael today welcomed the launch of a new coalition of interest groups and cross party MP’s calling for a ‘post bank’ to be set up and run as part of the post office network.

Commenting Mr Carmichael said –

“For years we have seen a gradual process of removing services from the Post Office. The decision to end the payment of pensions and benefits through Post Offices using benefit books was probably the single biggest blow to the Post Office network. We have also seen the loss of television licensing from the Post Office and the DVLA encouraging people to renew tax discs online,

“The creation of a ‘People’s Post Bank’ could be the first step in reversing that trend. It could make the future of many Post Offices more secure and could act as stimulus for other public bodies to make better use of the Post Office. Giving more flexibility to Post Offices in the services that they can provide is crucial and this campaign is a recognition of that.

“Today’s proposals include the Post Office offering tailored products to small businesses and a "universal banking obligation" - to ensure all people have access to accounts. I am sure these measures would be widely welcomed in the Isles. I have pledged my support to this initiative.

“With the credit crunch causing an enormous loss of confidence in both banks and bankers, there has never been a better time to create a Post Bank. The Post Office brand retains the trust of the general public in a way which traditional banks can only envy. The creation of a people’s post bank would result in increased facilities for those living outside main population areas as well as helping local employers whose access to credit has become increasingly scarce in recent months.”