North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has received his biggest postbag this year from residents upset at the Government’s proposals on Post Office Card Accounts.
Oliver’s constituents are concerned that over four million people choose to access their benefits at the Post Office each week and may lose this facility when the Government chooses a successor to the Post Office Card Account shortly. There is also concern that many post offices will be forced to close should the Government take the decision to withdraw Post Office Card Accounts.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “Conservatives repeatedly called on the Government to review the decision to abolish POCA, which is vital for people who do not have bank accounts. Under sustained pressure, the Government decided it would continue with a new account after 2010.
“While the Government's decision on the Post Office Card Account is welcome, I am also aware that the contract for the new account may not necessarily go to the Post Office, creating further uncertainty for many sub-postmasters. I believe that, instead of managing decline, the Government should be trying to bring new business opportunities to the network.
“In order to ensure the survival of local Post Offices, Conservatives have launched our Post Office Action Plan. The plan includes encouraging local councils to consider opening ‘council counters’ in local branches; giving sub-post offices greater freedom to offer a wider range of commercial products; and pushing for more post offices to be ‘one stop shops’ for central Government services.”