Citizens Advice responds to government announcement of £370m in funding for Post Offices
Citizens Advice has today said that £370m in funding for the Post Office network will help create a “sustainable future” for these valued assets.
The government has announced it will commit £160 million of this funding to protect ‘last shop in the village’ community branches and maintain people’s access to their local branch.
Citizens Advice, the statutory consumer watchdog for postal services, has been calling on the government to provide this support in recognition of the important role rural post offices play for consumers and businesses.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“The funding committed to the Post Office network today will help to create a sustainable future for these valued community assets.
“For many people a Post Office branch is one of their most important local services. It’s a lifeline to friends for some, and a vital way of accessing everyday services for others. Post Offices are often relied upon by more vulnerable people, including older and disabled people, as well as small businesses that would have to meet higher costs without access to their services locally.
“The extra funding announced by the government goes a long way towards making Post Offices a fixture in all communities for years to come.”
Last month Citizens Advice published its report, Rural Post Office Use, which found that rural consumers visit post offices more frequently. 6 in 10 residents of remote rural areas said the Post Office was very or extremely important to them.
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Notes to editors
Citizens Advice is the statutory watchdog for postal services. We represent consumers of postal services. Our post team provides policy advice and delivers strategic projects that contribute to improving the operation of the postal market and the postal universal service for all consumers. We also ensure consumer needs are represented in decisions on the future of the post office network, at both a strategic and branch level.
The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .
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.
To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends .
Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.