Major shake-up planned for Post Office branches as company ‘cannot afford to stand still’

The Post Office has laid out a series of potential policy reforms to the Labour Party government

The Post Office is proposing a major overhaul of its branches that would allow customers to collect pharmacy prescriptions, access digital ID services and receive business advice.

The Post Office has presented a series of potential policy changes to the Labour government aimed at boosting its income streams. The organisation emphasised the importance of “maintaining nationwide coverage” and preserving its network of 11,500 branches.

In its reform proposal, the company requested a “flexible policy framework” enabling its branch network to “evolve” alongside shifting consumer needs.

It also urged the Government to “make post offices the trusted place for essential government services, like digital ID or pharmacy prescription collection”, reports Birmingham Live.

The proposals included suggestions for ministers to “explore tailored business rates relief”. Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office chief executive, said: “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.”

This statement follows reports that ministers are contemplating transferring ownership of the Post Office to its operators following the Horizon IT scandal.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has initiated a comprehensive review of the organisation by publishing a green paper, marking the first major review in 15 years.

This review, set to run until October 6, comes on the heels of the publication of the initial findings from a two-year public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal last week.