The government has released its long-anticipated Green Paper on the future of the Post Office, outlining a vision for a modern, sustainable network that supports small businesses, local economies, and communities across the UK.
While the Countryside Alliance welcomes the government’s recognition of the importance of the Post Office network, particularly in providing access to essential services such as banking, bill payments and identity checks, the Alliance has expressed concern that the paper does not go far enough to secure the future of rural branches.
In rural areas, the Post Office is more than a place to post a letter, it is often the last shop in the village, the only source of cash, and a vital community anchor. Around 14% of post offices are now the last retail outlet in their locality, providing services that simply aren’t available elsewhere. Nearly four in ten households view their post office as a community hub and that number rises significantly in remote and rural areas.
Post offices also play a critical role in the rural economy. 65% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) use a post office at least once a month, relying on it for dispatching goods, handling cash, and everyday services. In turn, these businesses help drive local economic activity, with an estimated £3.1 billion in additional spending generated in surrounding high streets and local shops.
The government’s aim for a network focused on permanent, full-hours branches is welcome in principle. However, the Countryside Alliance warns that the lack of clear commitments around rural delivery, funding models, or specific protections for hard-to-reach communities could lead to a further decline in rural coverage. The Paper also suggests reviewing the longstanding Access Criteria that underpin rural service provision, raising concerns that the framework that has protected many rural branches for the past 15 years could be weakened.
Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, said:
“The local post office is one of the last visible signs of government presence in many rural communities. It’s not just about services, it is about the communities they serve. This Green Paper shows welcome intent, but unless rural access is explicitly protected and properly funded, we risk losing the very parts of the network that people depend on most.”
The Alliance is also concerned that some proposals in the paper such as increasing reliance on parcel drop-and-collect models and self-service kiosks may work in urban areas but are unlikely to meet the needs of isolated or digitally excluded communities.
The Countryside Alliance will be submitting a full response to the consultation and is calling on the government to rural-proof its proposals, ensure continued funding for community access, and uphold a clear commitment to the permanent presence of post offices in villages and market towns.
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