Post Office Network Transformation

HC 84, Third Report of Session 2012-13 - Report, Together With Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Business, Innovation and Skills Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £15.50

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The report 'Post Office Network Transformation (HC 84)' discusses the Government's proposals to change the ownership and administration of the Post Office network. The new role of post offices, as Front Offices for Government services, will be vital to their ongoing financial viability.

The Government must set out the services that are to be delivered, whilst Post Office Ltd must demonstrate a clear marketing strategy to ensure post offices are promoted as the preferred outlet for such services.

The new method of remuneration for 'Local' post offices may not be viable for subpostmasters, increasing the likelihood that large supermarkets will take over the Post Office mantle. There is little detail on the programme for change with regards to mutualisation and particularly on how this would be affected should the majority of 'Locals' be owned by a small number of major companies. The Committee recommends that the Government outline how such a situation would affect the ability of the Post Office to become a mutual organisation.

On the question of a Post Office subsidy, the Committee supports the long-term objective for post offices to become financially self-sufficient. Indirect financial support, largely in the form of the Front Office Government services will be key to achieving this ambition.

The Committee warn that some smaller offices may never achieve financial independence and should be supported, as they often deliver some of the most vital services to rural or deprived areas.

Extent	99 pages	ISBN	9780215046932
Size	A4	Price	£15.50
Format	Paperback	Published	17 Jul 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges