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A proposed overhaul could result in the permanent closure of 6,000 Post Offices across the country. This follows the government’s conclusion of its Future of Post Office consultation on 6 October, which aimed to ‘strengthen’ the overall Post Office network.
However, it suggested that over half of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide are no longer financially viable.
Branches most at risk of closure are those in rural villages and part-time operations. Branches sharing their facilities with other establishments or services could also be under threat.
A spokesperson for the Post Office said: “A strong and vibrant Post Office network across the UK – both on high streets and in rural communities – is important to provide those face-to-face services which so many people value.
“We are supportive of the current 11,500 branch number requirement and want to increase the number of services which customers can access at their local post office branch – from adding more banking and parcel delivery options to building on Post Office’s community role by providing space for financial advice pop-ups for small businesses.”, reports the Express.
Key elements of the shake-up.
The proposed closures could affect thousands of branches, with consultation documents highlighting that the changes will predominantly impact elderly people in the UK. The documents stress that these individuals, especially those living in rural areas, rely more heavily on their local Post Office than those in urban locations.
Furthermore, ministers may change the criteria for what constitutes a Post Office branch. For example, basic collection and delivery points could be redefined as Post Office branches.
Currently, many Post Office branches offer services such as sending and collecting parcels, depositing and withdrawing cash and cheques, topping up phones, and certifying certain forms of identification like driving licences.
Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office chief executive, stated: “Post Office has been part of the everyday fabric of British life for almost 400 years.
“But we cannot afford to stand still. Digital technologies have transformed how we shop, transact and communicate. And like any modern retailer, we must evolve to meet customer demand and sell the products and services which will drive revenue for the postmasters and partners who operate our branch network.
“I look forward to working with our postmasters, partners, customers and government as we continue to transform this vital organisation, and I’m confident we will see a strong and vibrant Post Office network across the UK for decades to come.”
