Scottish Gov should be given jurisdiction over PO network

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The Scottish Government should be given jurisidiction over the post office network

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/h ... -1.1078137" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You draw attention to the potential challenges that the Postal Services Bill presents for the post office network in Scotland. (“Scotland’s post office network facing crisis”, The Herald, January 5). We believe that there are a number of ways in which the Bill could be amended in order to protect the integrity and viability of Scotland’s post office network in the future.

Specifically we believe that the Bill should:

First, specify that the number of post office branches in the UK should remain at least the same as when the Act receives Royal Assent.

Secondly, put the UK Government access criteria, which protect the size and spread of the post office network at present, on a statutory footing and strengthen these criteria so that they more closely reflect existing rural coverage. Currently these criteria have no statutory basis and could be met with a UK-wide post office network of only 7,500 branches.

Thirdly, require Royal Mail to use a minimum number and distribution of retail outlets as access points, therefore placing the post office network in a strong position to win future Royal Mail contracts. The Bill as it stands could allow a separate Royal Mail to meet its requirements through other operators, which could therefore leave the integrity of the post office network at risk.

Additionally, it is important to note that despite the significant social and economic purpose that the post office network has in Scotland, and the potential for Scottish post offices to act as a delivery point for a range of devolved public services, the Scottish Government has little jurisdiction over the network and how it operates.

We believe that this is a gap which should be addressed, and the Scotland Bill represents an opportunity where this could be done. Giving the Scottish Government a clearer role in relation to the post office network could bring considerable benefits for consumers in Scotland. It would help to ensure that the vital role of the post office network is taken into account within the overall strategies for public service delivery, social inclusion and economic development in Scotland, and it would give the Scottish Government a clear locus to intervene to ensure that any changes to the structure of the post office network meet the particular interests of people in Scotland.

Douglas Sinclair,

Chair, Consumer Focus Scotland,

Royal Exchange House,

100 Queen Street, Glasgow.



All who are concerned about Scotland’s post office network, particularly in rural areas, should take comfort in the fact that the Westminster Parliament has three post offices which appear to be thriving. The Members’ post office in the Members’ Lobby offers services that are available at all existing post office counters, and are operated by a Postmaster and deputy, a customer services manager, a counters branch manager, and a staff of 37.

So we can rest assured that if the worst comes to the worst at least our MPs will be able to post their letters to us, even if doubt hangs over whether they will ever be delivered.

Ruth Marr,

Stirling.

[arnold cheshire]

do you think if this happened it would make any difference ?