The UK government’s Department for Business and Trade has launched a 12-week national consultation to gather opinions on what the future of the Post Office should be.
The green paper, which is open to anyone, will enable respondents to provide opinions on the size and shape of the Post Office network; the future of the products and services offered at post offices; and how Post Office should be operated and run as a business. The consultation period will run until October 6, 2025.
Commenting on the Future of the Post Office green paper, Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office CEO, said, “We now have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to have a national conversation about the future of our post offices and their role in supporting communities across the UK.
“Post offices are the hub of the high street, where postmasters provide the face-to-face services that so many people and small businesses value – withdrawing and depositing cash, sending and collecting parcels with a range of different carriers, and paying bills. This government consultation is a vital part of shaping what the future of Post Office could, and should, look like.”
This will be the first time that the government’s policy purpose and objectives for Post Office have been reviewed comprehensively since 2010, making this green paper a golden opportunity to shape the future of the business across important issues, according to the Post Office.
In a statement on its website, the Post Office said it will submit a response to the government’s consultation later in the summer and encouraged postmasters, partners and customers to respond and share their views as well.
For more information on the green paper and to find out more about how to respond, click here.
In related news, industry regulator Ofcom announced on July 10 that it would allow Royal Mail to cut its Second Class delivery service as part of its review of the universal service obligation.