Responding to the news that Royal Mail and Post Office Limited (POL) have agreed a commercial arrangement that will provide a significant amount of security for the network over the next ten years, Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at Consumer Focus Post said:
‘We welcome this announcement by Edward Davey – a ten year deal is good news. An agreement of this duration is important to support the long term sustainability of the network and the viability of Post Office Limited after it splits off from the Royal Mail Group. Mail accounts for one third of post office revenues and therefore is a key part of the jigsaw in maintaining a strong and healthy post office delivering those services that consumers expect. This deal helps provide firm foundations for the post office network’s future.
‘Over the next few years there is the opportunity to build on this arrangement by ensuring that post offices deliver the widest range of services in the most convenient ways, while at the same time broadening the range of services available from the network. The fact is that the post office is changing – banking and Government services are its future.
‘The coming years will see major changes to the post office branch network – these changes need to work for consumers and ensure the network can offer and benefit from the new product areas. If the range of products, the quality of service and the ease of access can be delivered then post offices will continue to play a unique and vital role for consumers, businesses and the wider society.’
Media Contacts:
Michael Legg: 028 90675043 (Out of Hours) 07917 858510
Notes to Editor:
• BIS Press release – Future of Post Office is secure – Davey
(http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422949&NewsAreaID=2&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bis-news+%28BIS+News%29 )
