Future strategy
Policy Statement
The Government's detailed statement on the future of the post office network was published on 9 November 2010 and explains the Government’s plans to secure the future of this network, which is so vital for communities and businesses throughout the country.
This policy statement builds on the announcement made at the Second Reading of the Postal Services Bill (27 October 2010) of £1.34bn of government funding for the post office network over the Spending Review period (2011/12 – 2014/15). This funding will enable the Post Office to invest in its network – refurbishing its branches, extending opening hours and reducing the length of queues. The Department also issued a press release on the new plans to secure the future of the network alongside publication of the statement
Securing the Post Office Network in the Digital Age sets out the following key commitments for the post office network.
Key Commitments
- We recognise that the Post Office is more than a commercial entity and serves a distinct social purpose.
- We will ensure that post offices remain a valuable social and economic asset for our communities and businesses.
- There will be no programme of post office closures under this Government.
- The Post Office is not for sale.
- We will provide £1.34 billion for the Post Office to modernise the network and to safeguard its future, making it a stronger partner for Royal Mail.
- We want to see the Post Office become a genuine Front Office for Government at both the national and local level.
- We will support the expansion of accessible and affordable personal financial services available through the Post Office.
- We will support greater involvement of local authorities in planning and delivering local post office provision.
- We will create the opportunity for a mutually owned Post Office.
