This document is available as a download only

Our submission to the BERR Committee as part of its inquiry into the early experiences of the current Post Office ‘Network Change Programme’ for restructuring the post office network.

Our evidence concentrates on :

• the ongoing local public consultation process and the requirement for community involvement in deciding the form and location of outreach provision and the importance of allowing adequate time for this process

• the need to safeguard post offices in villages where these are combined with the sole remaining shop

• a concern that the Government’s access criteria may not give adequate consideration to social and economic factors in addition to purely distance from the nearest office

• specific needs of home-based workers and self-employed in rural areas