A total of 6,000 Post Offices across the nation could be permanently shut down due to a proposed overhaul. The news comes in the wake of the government concluding its Future of Post Office consultation on October 6. The consultation aimed to ‘strengthen’ the overall Post Office network. However, it indicated that more than half of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide have become financially unviable.
Branches most likely to face 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 stated: « 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. »
Key elements of the shake-up
Beyond the potential closures affecting thousands of branches, consultation documents also reveal that the changes will predominantly impact elderly people in the UK. The papers emphasise that such individuals, particularly those residing in rural locations, tend to depend on their local Post Office more heavily than urban dwellers.
Additionally, ministers may alter the definition of what qualifies as a Post Office branch. For instance, basic collection and delivery points could be reclassified as Post Office branches.
At present, numerous Post Office branches enable customers to send and collect parcels, deposit and withdraw cash and cheques, top up their phone, and certify certain forms of identification, such as a driving licence.
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. »
