MP delivers post offices appeal
A Staffordshire MP has called for a reversal in the Government policy on post offices that will see 2,500 branches closed by next year.
A Staffordshire MP has called for a reversal in the Government policy on post offices that will see 2,500 branches closed by next year.
Michael Fabricant has said the closure of branches in villages like Hammerwich would have a "devastating" effect on the rural economy. Another 2,500 post offices are currently under threat. Lichfield MP Mr Fabricant has asked John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Business, not to underestimate the importance of post offices to local communities.
He said in the House of Commons: "I join the Secretary of State for Justice, the Home Secretary and others in the Cabinet who have all said that the importance of post offices and that Government policy is wrong."
The Secretary of State told Mr Fabricant that he and his constituents could take advantage of the ongoing consultation process to propose viable alternatives to closure for local sub-post offices.
Mr Hutton said: "The one thing I do accept is that the closure programme is unpopular – of course it is. It is a very significant change to push through at this moment in time, but it has to be made if the Post Office business is to enjoy a secure and proper future.
"It is right and proper, however, that individual members of this house should, on behalf of their constituents, make representations to the Post Office about the closure programme."
Mr Fabricant said: "This is complete buck passing by the Government. They have caused the crisis and now they are asking people to find a financial solution to the mess.
"It is Government policy which has forced pensioners and others on benefit to stop using the Post Office and that has damaged the whole retail network. The Government should reverse that policy."
Post offices have been hit hard by the decision to pay pension and child benefit directly into bank accounts.
A public consultation on the future of post offices in Staffordshire will start on April 1, ahead of a decision being made on which branches will be closed.
