Published: Friday, 4th July, 2008 12:00pm

MP receives stamp of approval from locals in Post Office campaign

Borderers have responded in their droves to MP David Mundell"s continued lobbying of the Government to strengthen the local Post Office network.

The Westminster member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale is helping local subpostmasters and Post Office customers to send a message to the Government that thousands more Post Offices could close unless they are given the right to continue handling state pensions and benefits.

Mr Mundell has received almost 1000 campaign postcards from constituents saying they wish to continue to use the new card account at their local Post Office.

The Government will soon choose a successor to the Post Office Card Account (POCA), which gives 4 million people access to their benefits. The National Federation of Subpostmasters is saying that if they lose the card account business 3,000 more Post Offices will be forced to close.

This is on top of the Government's present review; which is set to close 2,500 Post Offices across the country.

Mr Mundell said: 'The Conservatives have repeatedly called on the Government to review the decision to abolish POCA, which is a vital service particularly for those who don't have bank accounts. Under sustained pressure, the Government decided it would continue with a new account after 2010. It will be available nationally and customers will be eligible for the account on the same basis as they are now.

'While the Government's decision on the Post Office Card Account is welcome, I am also aware the contract for the new account may not necessarily go to the Post Office, creating further uncertainty for many sub-postmasters.

'I believe that, instead of managing decline, the Government should be trying to bring new business opportunities to the network through, for example, giving sub-post offices greater freedom to offer a wider range of commercial products or by encouraging local councils to consider opening council counters' in local branches or one-stop shops for central government services.''

A report by the council last week stated that the council has prepared a case for the retention of Post Offices in the Borders in advance of the formal consultation process.

It also stated that it will seek to develop the capacity for a shared solution with the Post Office through the Council"s Customer First approach and facilities such as contact centers and libraries.

A council spokesperson said: 'We are very supportive of David Mundell"s campaign to save rural Post Offices.

'We are actively looking at ways to involve Post Office counters in the delivery of council services. Transforming our Council contact centre receptions into "one-stop-shops" is just one part of Customer First.'

Return to: Homepage | News Index | This article