Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

HINT OF A POST OFFICE U-TURN OFFERS GLIMMER OF HOPE

November 11, 2008 12:00 AM

Commenting on reports in the media that Lord Peter Mandelson, Business and Enterprise Secretary, is urging the Government to channel a range of Government financial products through the Post Office and even re-award the Post Office Card Account to Post Offices, Jenny Willott, Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pension Secretary, who led a debate in the Commons on the Post Office Card Account yesterday evening, said:

"This hint is the first glimmer of hope for the Post Office for years.

"The Government has been slowly undermining the Post Office by driving away more and more services.

"The Post Office Card Account is fundamental to making the Post Office viable. If it gets taken away, up to 6,000 Post Offices may have to close - more than half of the entire Post Office network.

"It seems that at last, the Government is recognising the value of the Post Office network in covering the length and breadth of the country. What other company is plugged into almost every community?

"There is clearly an almighty battle going on behind the scenes between the Department of Work and Pensions, who are keen to scrap the Post Office Card Account, and Peter Mandelson, who is looking to save it and channel more services through the Post Office.

"After years of uncertainty and depressing talk of the need for closures, this is the first hopeful sign but the fight to save the Post Office network is far from over."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    jennywillott.com/en/article/2008/118529/hint-of-a-post-office-u-turn-offers-glimmer-of-hope
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    jw.lib.dm/a956T

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Cardiff Central constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image