GOVERNMENT SHOWS INCREDIBLE COMPLACENCY OVER POST OFFICES

Angus MP Mike Weir has attacked the UK government's "Incredible Complacency" over the future of Post Offices, particularly in rural
areas.

Speaking during Scottish Questions in the House of Commons Mr Weir was incensed by remarks from the Under Secretary of State for Scotland that no decisions had been made on the future of post offices.

"The Minister continues to show incredible complacency in respect of the Post Office when he says no decisions have been made. Decisions are being made daily; the removal of benefits, the ending of support for the Post Office Card Account, the removal of TV licensing and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency business from the Post Offices are causing post offices to close now, because their business is disappearing. It is no good saying that there is a universal service obligation if there is nothing to sustain it."

Commenting later on the minister's assertion that the changes were driven by consumer choice Mr Weir said this line of defence was bizarre.

"Most people want to be able to access services at their local post offices, where they still exist. It is direct government action that has effectively withdrawn many of these services and undermined local post offices. It is urgent that the government takes action to ensure the continuation of the card account and gives an assurance to post offices of their future following the end of the current aid regime in 2008. If they do not do so we will soon see another round of closures."