Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Post Office Network

Thursday 23 March 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has funded the post office network with 2.5 billion over the last 10 years.
  • Drop and collect locations are considered part of the 11,500 branches commitment.
  • Improvements to remuneration for sub-postmasters were made in August 2022.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Context

The MP is concerned about the sustainability of post offices in his constituency.

Question

What steps she is taking to support the post office network?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The Government has funded the network to the tune of £2.5 billion over the last 10 years, and access criteria have been set to ensure vital services remain within local reach of citizens.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q2 Marion Fellows SNP
Economy Transport Business & Trade
Context

A report by London Economics highlighted the economic impact of post offices in the UK.

Question

Last month, a report showed that Post Office has a greater economic impact on the UK than Heathrow airport. Could he also look at “drop and collect” locations?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Drop and collect locations offer important services, counted towards the 11,500 branches commitment. Access criteria ensure core services remain within reach of citizens.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Local Government
Context

The report found that the social value delivered by Post Office is significantly greater than financial input from Government.

Question

Will the Minister carry out an analysis of how additional investment in the post office network will allow it to continue to grow?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The Government is working with Post Office, ensuring viability of rural branches. Funding helps sustain these branches and ensures facilities for communities.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q4 Peter Grant SNP
Local Government
Context

Small retail businesses are under strain and sub-post offices run by them are becoming less viable.

Question

What steps is he taking to review the business model on which sub-post offices operate?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The model is evolving, but it is important that remuneration makes post offices sustainable. Improvements were made in August 2022 to remuneration for sub-postmasters.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q5 Peter Grant SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

There is an ongoing update on the Horizon compensation scheme.

Question

Has the Minister made an assessment of how much damage that scandal has done and is continuing to do?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The scandal was horrendous, proper compensation needs to be given. There is an inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams to find out what went wrong and hold those responsible accountable.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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