MP hits out at plans for post offices

Edinburgh East MP Sheila Gilmore MP has joined postal workers in attacking government plans for the Royal Mail which, she says, jeopardise the future of post offices in the city.

The Government's Postal Services Bill will end the historic link between the Royal Mail and Post Office Limited.

Currently, the Royal Mail has an agreement to use the post office network for its counter services. With this bill, Royal Mail could choose to use other outlets for its counter services, such as supermarkets or a high street chain instead, meaning it could limit the number of outlets to those in town centres.

Commenting on the recent government announcement of funding for post offices, Sheila Gilmore said: "Any new investment is welcome, but the Conservative-LibDem coalition has missed a huge opportunity by dropping Labour's plans for a Postbank.

"Promises of extra work from government departments and local authorities are not worth having unless they are turned into bankable contracts. In practice, the coalition can't even guarantee post offices will keep the contract for the Department for Work and Pension payments."