Post Offices – Securing Their Future

HC 371-I, Eighth Report of Session 2008-09 - Volume I: Report, Together with Formal Minutes

Author:

House of Commons - Business and Enterprise Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £14.50

Larger image

The post office network has been reduced to 12,000 post offices and outreach services and the Government has set access criteria for the network to ensure that it covers the whole country. This report, 'Post Offices – Securing Their Future (HC 371-I)', examines what services could be provided by the network to ensure its future viability and what people want from their post office network. There is no shortage of demand for more services.

The network can and should provide:

• mail services;

• financial services (especially enhanced banking services);

• local authority services;

• central government services; and

• broader community services.

Many of the problems facing the network are a consequence of the Government moving services online and so reducing Post Office Ltd's income. The Committee believes the Government has seriously underestimated the potential of the network to serve as a link between government and its citizens. 'Digital Britain: Final Report (Cm. 7650)' (ISBN 9780101765022 - available below) sees the internet as the primary means of access to public services.

The Committee support e-delivery of public services but however much the Government may want to encourage digital inclusion, it also needs to prevent social exclusion. Forty per cent of households do not have internet access. Although some departments are seizing the opportunity a truly national network offers to allow easy access to their services, many government departments are woefully unimaginative about the needs of their customers, and show too little respect for members of the public's right to choose how to deal with the Government.

The accompanying 'Post Offices – Securing Their Future - Volume II: Oral and Written Evidence, HC 371-I' (ISBN 9780215532695) is available to buy separately, see below.

Extent	86 pages	ISBN	9780215532725
Size	A4	Price	£14.50
Format	Paperback	Published	07 Jul 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges