Age Concern’s response to the Government’s announcement on the post office network

14 December 2006

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“At last the Government has woken up to the problem of post offices. A commitment to continue the annual subsidy is good news and will help to prevent some post office closures. But much more thought must be given to developing a sustainable long-term strategy which will enable the post office network to flourish.

“By attempting to restructure the network in just 18 months and allowing the Post Office to determine which branches are to close, the views of local people risks being ignored. Post offices provide not only postal services but access to cash and benefits, information and advice, and a social focus for the community. If a stand alone post office is no longer financially viable, there should be a thorough consultation with all who use and depend on its services in order to find a workable alternative.

“We’re pleased that the Government is committed to a Post Office Card Account (POCA) alternative. There is strong support for post office based accounts and many pensioners would be devastated if this choice was taken away from them. “