Post Office Branch Closures 2023-11-29
2023-11-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The closure of post offices in Scotland is a concern as it affects the delivery of government services. There have been discussions about the support provided by the UK Government to the post office network.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of post office branch closures on the delivery of Government services in Scotland?
The United Kingdom Government continue to provide significant support to the national post office network, adding up to £2.4 billion over the last 10 years. This funding enabled 98% of individuals in rural areas to live within three miles of their nearest post office in 2022, with the overall network as large today as it has been for five years.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about discussions on impacts and measures regarding closures but the answer focused on general support provided over a long period without addressing current discussions or specific actions to mitigate impact of recent closures in Scotland.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Rural communities rely heavily on the post office for various government services. The question is about encouraging the Scottish Government to provide as many services via the post office network, similar to what the UK Government does.
Our rural branches of the post office are at the very core, the very heart, of our rural communities. At present, His Majesty's Government provide certain services to the public via the post office network. Does the Minister agree that it would be a good notion to encourage the Scottish Government to go down the same route and provide as many services as possible in that way, thus ensuring the future of those branches?
I agree with the hon. Member. I recognise the vital importance of post offices for constituents in rural communities such as his own and also in my own constituency in the Scottish Borders. It is of course for the Scottish Government to assess how to make their services available to people across Scotland, considering accessibility as well as value for money for the taxpayer.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the importance but does not provide specific plans or commitments on encouraging the Scottish Government to utilise post offices similarly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There have been closures of post offices in Scotland, affecting access to government services. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency services are due to cease being available at post offices by the end of next March.
Scotland has seen the closure of 40 post offices in the past two years, yet as the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Jamie Stone) pointed out, the communities that still have post offices are losing access to Government services, particularly in rural areas. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency services are due to cease being available at post offices from the end of next March. What conversations has the Minister had with the Department for Business and Trade about keeping DVLA services available from post offices?
I should start by correcting the hon. Gentleman in that the post office network is not in decline. More post offices have been opened than closed over the past year. We do see fluctuations in different parts of the country, with many postmasters running a franchise business in their own right. Many face the same challenges as other high street businesses. The DVLA and the Post Office extended their contract until 31 March 2024.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about conversations regarding maintaining DVLA services, but the answer provided general information on post office network status without addressing specific discussions or actions taken with respect to the DVLA.
Response accuracy