Post offices are a lifeline in service-starved communities

8th March 2007

Pensioners, disabled people and those on low incomes will be worst hit by government plans to close up to 2,500 post offices. They will face significant additional costs and be cut off from essential services, new research by Citizens Advice confirms today.

A survey by the national charity has found that the post office is often the one remaining lifeline in many rural and deprived urban areas where all other services have been lost. 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.

Almost a third of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey on the Citizens Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk visit a post office several times a week. This figure rises to half of those questioned aged over 65, and 47% of those 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.

Asked what they particularly value about post offices, almost all respondents mentioned their convenient location. At present, three quarters of those using the local post office can get there on foot, but if it closed, only 14% would be able to walk to the nearest alternative branch. While 60% of respondents say they would drive, 41% of those on means tested benefits would have to use public transport, compared with only three per cent at present.

One woman on income support commented:

“I would have to pay £3.30…to get to the nearest post office. I am currently on benefits and that is a substantial sum of money to me.”

Another self-employed respondent commented:

“If we were to lose our post office our community would not survive in the way it does. We lost both banks 10 years ago. Our PO is now providing all those services…If people had to travel to the nearest town then our little community would lose its chemist, convenience store, baker’s and so much more of its community spirit. We cannot lose the last remaining lynchpin of our community.”

In its response to the government’s consultation on the future of the Post Office network, which closes today (Thursday 8 March), Citizens Advice says it is essential that in restructuring the network attention is focused on innovative ways of continuing to deliver services to those who rely on them most.

It welcomes plans for outreach services but warns that opening hours, location and services offered must meet customer needs.

Where closures are unavoidable it says these must take into account the walking distance and public transport links to the nearest alternative branch, the effect on the local economy, alternative access to basic services, and the age, health and income levels of the local population.

The charity also calls for the consultation period on restructuring plans to be doubled from six to 12 weeks.

Citizens Advice senior social policy officer Sue Edwards said:

“Our survey confirms that local post offices are a lifeline for many of those living in rural areas and deprived parts of our towns and cities. It leaves us in no doubt that it is pensioners, disabled people and those living on low incomes who rely the most on their local post office for basic services and who would therefore be worst hit by any changes or reduction in service.

“Closing post offices may save money, but a high price will be paid by already disadvantaged individuals and communities. The Post Office must do everything possible to minimise the negative impact of changes to the network, and ensure that where closures are unavoidable, services are provided in other ways that meet the needs of those who depend on them.”

Last updated: March 8, 2007