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Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said:

“The announcement today of the first of 2‚500 post offices ear-marked for closure should see the start of thorough local consultation. However the fact that the Government and the Post Office Ltd are ploughing through the local consultations in six weeks rather than twelve‚ suggests that decisions may have already been made.

“We know that the vast majority of older people consider their post office to be a lifeline‚ with many relying on the post office as a one-stop shop to access cash and benefits‚ pay bills‚ get advice and information‚ and socialise. This lifeline must not be severed.

“The key to making the post office network successful is listening to the people who use and depend on their post office. We are urging the Government and the Post Office Ltd not to take a ‘bull in a china-shop’ approach but to take the time to make this restructuring a workable long-term solution. Anyone who is concerned about losing their local post office and wants to get their voice heard should write to their MP or Councillor.”

ENDS

Age Concern’s recommendations:

• The restructuring process of the network should be longer than 18-months to allow time for thorough local consultation. Local consultations should take place over a minimum 12-week period.
• The future of rural post offices must be treated as part of a sustainable rural strategy.
• If a post office has to close the replacement service should be available immediately to ensure no gap in service provision.
• The Government must put pressure on banks to ensure all bank accounts are accessible through post offices.
• The Post Office Card Account (POCA) must be replaced by a better product and must remain post office based.

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Media contact:
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Telephone:
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Email:
Media@ace.org.uk