MP concern over postal plan

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.snp.org/node/17475" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Commenting on the publication of the UK Government paper ‘Securing the Post Office network in the Digital Age, SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir MP warned that, whilst it contains some welcome ideas, it also leaves open the possibility of a concentration of post office services to the detriment of rural communities.

Mr Weir said:

“The paper does contain some interesting ideas that are worth pursuing, in particular the opportunity to make the Post Office more of a front office for government departments. This is hardly a new idea but if it is going to be pursued it would be welcome.

“It is regrettable that UK Ministers have rejected the idea of a Postbank in favour a deal with the major banks to allow more of their accounts to be accessible through post offices. This is short sighted and will do nothing to help those many people who suffer financial exclusion at present. Postbank could be an excellent way to increase those accessing basic bank accounts and would also have been attractive to many small businesses in rural areas. The coalition need to think again on this.

“Whilst the document states that they wish to retain the network at around its present size, and that there will be no closure programmes, it also states its intention to develop around 4,000 “main post offices”. This rings alarm bells since this is the figure long quoted as the number of post offices required for a commercial network.

“It is not clear what the definition is of a “main post office” and there is a real danger that the focus could shift on to these offices rather than the network as a whole. It is unlikely that many of these “main” offices will be in small communities.

“The Post Office network remains a vital part of local communities and, whilst supporting any measures that improve the future of he network, there remain concerns about these proposals.”

[Stormproof]

Is it me or does everyone seem more interested in saving the Post Office and don't seem to be too bothered about getting their letters.

[Wessex]

The clever part of Cables plan was to separate the PO and the rest of RM.As soon as he did this our support was diminished.What is strange is according to his logic it should really be PO Limited that needs selling off and new management expertise rather than profit making letters ,but there you go.