WEIR WELCOMES COMMONS POST OFFICE REPORT

 

Welcoming the publication of a report by the House of Commons Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee on the future of the Post Office network, SNP Westminster Postal Affairs Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, who is a member of the committee, said:

 

“I welcome this report which makes a number of important recommendations to address the failings of the current Post Office closure programme.

 

“In particular, the report makes key recommendations to address the problems of substitute closures, which indiscriminately target another post office for closure if one is saved following the initial consultation, as well addressing as the lack of time for the consultation process.”

 

However, Mr Weir also expressed disappointment that the committee did not take up an amendment proposed by the SNP MP, relating to compensation for Post Masters.  Mr Weir described plans to reduce the level of compensation paid to local Post Masters who sought to sustain their business by installing a Paypoint as unacceptable.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“It is unacceptable to penalise former post master who seek to sustain their business in a other ways once the post office has been removed.

 

“We are talking about large amounts of tax payers money, and the needs of the Post Office need to be balanced with the needs of the communities that are losing their post offices.

 

“Post Office Ltd seem to hold all the cards when negotiating with Post Masters.

 

“More thought must be given to helping those who wish to continue with their business once postal services have been removed. Our local communities at least deserve that from Post Office Ltd and the UK Government.”