The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

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Post office closure response: services must be maintained for the most vulnerable

17-05-2007

National charity Citizens Advice says that essential services must be maintained for the most vulnerable in some form, following today’s announcement of Government plans to close 2,500 post offices over the next 18 months.

Tony Herbert, social policy officer said:

“Post offices are a lifeline for thousands of people, particularly pensioners, disabled people and those on low incomes. The key question is how essential services will now be provided for those who need them most. Vulnerable people must be included in local consultations about services provided by post offices, have their views listened to and essential services designed with their needs in mind. However, we are very disappointed that the Government is still sticking to a 6 week consultation period; this is too short a time for some vulnerable groups to respond and air their views.

“Our recent survey showed a high level of dependency on post offices particularly amongst the elderly, those with poorer health, and those living in rural or deprived urban areas. Innovative ideas such as delivering post office services in pubs, church halls or via mobile services must be fully explored.  But it is imperative that such outreach services meet the needs of those who depend on post offices, including such factors as opening hours, location and services offered.”

A recent Citizens Advice survey found that more than 90% of respondents said they would be personally affected if their local post office were to close. Three-quarters said their community would be significantly affected. The survey of a thousand people on the organisation’s website www.adviceguide.org.uk showed:

• Three quarters of respondents using a local post office can get there on foot at the moment, but if it closed, only 14% would be able to walk to the nearest alternative branch.
• 41% of people on means tested benefits said they would have to use public transport to reach an alternative branch if their nearest one closed, thus incurring extra cost.
• Half of the respondents aged over 65 said they visited their local post office several times a week, as did nearly half of respondents on means tested benefits.
• More than 60% of those aged over 75 and those depending on means-tested benefits use the post office to pay bills, while 67% of those living in rural areas rely on their local post office to buy groceries.

Notes to editors on Citizens Advice

1. The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
4. Advice and information  www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
6. Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089

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