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Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“It is good news that the availability of public transport will now be included in the criteria for post office closures, as this can be as much of a barrier as distance to accessing alternative services. But we’re still not convinced that the Government has taken on board the need for postal services to be part of a positive, coherent and sustainable rural strategy.

“We are really disappointed that the Government has failed to extend the local consultation period. Allowing just six weeks, instead of the usual 12, for local consultations betrays the Government’s assertion that it wants to maintain a viable national network. Much more time is needed to conduct a thorough and meaningful consultation and actually take on board the concerns of those customers who will be affected most by closures. Proposing to implement the changes over an 18-month period also strongly suggests that key decisions have already been made and many older people will be left stranded by solutions that don’t fully take their needs into account. Our challenge to all MPs is to ensure that a proper consultation takes place in their constituency.

“Introducing outreach services is a good idea and will greatly help those communities where a stand-alone post office is not viable. But limiting the number to 500 is short-sighted. There should be as many outreach locations as needed, determined by a thorough local consultation to ensure that essential services are delivered effectively.” 

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Notes to editors

Age Concern’s recommendations:

• The restructuring process of the network must 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.