Earlier this year we ran two focus groups, in Frampton, Dorset and Shap, Cumbria. Our aim was to gain insight into how rural communities wished to put forward their views to the Government’s public consultation on the future of the rural network, intended to take place in Autumn this year.

Participants were drawn from a range of post office users and also included representatives from parish councils, local and district councils, subpostmasters, rural community councils, voluntary and community organisations, Postwatch, Post Office Limited, and representatives from DTI and Defra.

Post offices were seen by the majority of participants as vital components of a vibrant rural economy, with a role as a community hub and a provider of services.

Banking services and access to cash through post offices were seen as essential.

The social and community role was also seen as an important component of the argument to maintain rural post offices. Local input into future planning was also considered essential to reflect the different needs of communities, especially those of older people.

As far as consultation about the future of the network was concerned, participants felt strongly that their voices should be heard, with involvement at the early stages of planning before decisions that would affect them became irreversible. A range of consultation approaches should be used, including questionnaires, interviews, and local workshops to ensure that all members of the community could be involved.

The findings of the report have been used to influence the DTI, Defra and others on evolving government policy on the future of the rural post office network.