House of Commons debate the future of rural post offices

The Countryside Alliance has briefed the House of Commons ahead of an adjournment debate on the future of rural post offices tabled by Derek Thomas conservative MP for St Ives.

We made the point that for the rural economy to grow, access to services is essential. These services, and in particular local post offices, are the life blood of a community, especially in remoter areas. They are the 'glue' which holds communities together and it is no surprise that research shows 91 per cent of people feel that post offices play an important role in their community.

The Government must recognise the role that post offices play in rural areas is much more than just a place to post a letter and should continue to support the network but it must also provide a framework for post offices to stand on their own two feet.

The Countryside Alliance believes that for post offices to remain relevant in modern times then we need to support growth in activities like online shopping through parcel collection and delivery, and for them to continue to pick up slack as banks and shops close in rural areas by offering full banking and other services.

Read our brief here