Norwich MP welcomes Post Office deal (East of England Liberal Democrats)

East of England Liberal Democrats <info@eastlibdems.org.uk>

Norwich MP welcomes Post Office deal

January 24, 2012 3:30 PM
Originally published by Simon Wright MP

Norwich South MP Simon Wright has welcomed today's announcement by Lib Dem Business Minister Ed Davey that a ten-year deal between the Post Office and Royal Mail has been reached.

The deal gives additional certainty to sub-postmasters in Norwich and covers the full range of Royal Mail products available at post offices such as first and second class post, parcels, air mail, recorded and special deliveries.

The deal adds to other recent progress for the Post Office, with extra Government cash kicking in, new national and local government contracts won, successful piloting of new models to transform many local post offices and improvements in financial services offered.

Commenting, Mr Wright said:

"Today's announcement is excellent news for local post offices and comes after years of branch closures under the previous Government. This new deal ensures that the Post Office has a sustainable future ahead.

"Post Offices are a vital part of our communities across Norwich, and its been a tragedy to see so many lost over the last few years as a result of branch closure programmes. The services provided by local branches help thousands of people to send letters to loved ones, to manage their finances or to renew passports for holidays. Pensioners rely on them every day for their pensions.

"Royal Mail has also faced some really challenging times in recent years as a result of lack of investment, but I now feel that both Royal Mail and the Post Office network is being put on a secure footing. We must not see a repeat of the planned closures that caused such damage under the previous Government."

Commenting further, Business Minister Ed Davey said:

"A year ago I set out a radical plan to transform Post Office's future, with £1.34bn of Government support and investment but without any closure programmes. Since then the Post Office has made good progress to become more competitive, building on its strengths."

"While it will take several years to turn round the Post Office's finances, it's increasingly clear the reforms are beginning to work.

"The 10-year deal struck between Royal Mail and the Post Office will give subpostmasters and others greater confidence.

"The signs are extremely encouraging for the future of the Post Office."