Banking on the future of the Post Office Network

When talking about the future of post offices, Postwatch's remit is very much focused on the accessibility, availability, and quality of postal services. However, from our discussions with stakeholders such as Age Concern, the National Consumer Council and the W.I. we know the important role the post office network plays in facilitating financial inclusion. Indeed, without the income that financial services bring to the Post Office network, the number of post offices would be under even greater pressure - affecting access to postal services as well as access to cash.

First Direct has announced that it is going to start charging some current account customers for their service - and customers on lower than average incomes at that. At least one other financial institution is refusing to rule out similar charges.

With this risk, why does the Treasury's financial inclusion goal focus solely on access to bank accounts, a goal that is driving the development of the product to replace the ill-fated Post Office card account?

UK citizens must be able to choose where they keep and access their money, and that choice should include access at post offices - as recommended in an Early Day Motion tabled this week.