27 Dec 1999
Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson today said that customers concerned about the closure or relocation of local sub-post offices will be able to appeal against the decision under new legislation to be introduced at Westminster early next year.
Commenting on the proposals to be included in the Post Office Bill Mr Wilson said:
"The role of the local post office is central to many communities and this is particularly true in the rural or remote parts of Scotland. I am only too well aware that in recent years the number of local post offices has been declining and that this can have a debilitating effect on the life of the local community.
"This is why the UK Government has asked the Post Office to produce a revised Code of Practice governing how they should deal with proposed conversions or closures. The new Code will be scrutinised by the independent Post Office Users National Council who will pay particular attention to the Post Office network in rural and socially deprived areas.
"We are committed to promoting and protecting the interests of consumers and to maintaining a nation-wide network of Post Offices."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1.Trade Secretary Stephen Byers announced today that he will take powers in the Post Office Bill to provide customers with a right of appeal against the proposed closure of a local Post Office.
2.Under the Government’s commitment to provide consumers with convenient access to Post Office Counters’ services are a series of measures will include:
3.The Government’s White paper - 'Post Office Reform: A World Class Service for the 21st Century' was published on 8 July 1999. Further details are available on the DTI website; www.dti.gov.uk/poreform/index.htm
4.The Post Office Users National Council is an independent statutory group which represents consumers’ interest regarding Post Office services.
5.Media can obtain further details about the proposals from DTI Press Office on: 0171 215 5979.