Context
The community of Plymstock in South West Devon lost its main post office in September 2021 when Morrisons closed more than 80 newsagents across the country, affecting local post offices. Despite efforts to secure an operator for a downgraded franchise from main branch to post office local, it has been financially unviable.
Question
The community of Plymstock in my constituency saw its main post office close in September 2021 when Morrisons closed more than 80 newsagents across the country; the post offices were essentially collateral damage. Despite the best efforts of the community, my predecessor and councillors—including me, at the time—since the Post Office has downgraded the franchise on offer from main branch to post office local, it has been impossible to secure an operator due to the financial unviability of the model. Yesterday, the final local branch announced that it will close later in the year. What is the Minister doing to ensure that sustainable joint post office and banking services replace closing branches in constituencies like mine?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We have supported the Post Office in taking measures to increase sub-postmaster pay, to make it a more attractive profession to come into, in order to deal with precisely the issues that the hon. Member set out. She will understand that I do not have specific knowledge of the issues around the post office in her constituency, but I am always happy to challenge the Post Office on constituency issues, so if she would like to write or speak to me about this afterwards, I would be happy to look at the issue in more detail.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments for joint post office and banking services as replacements for closing branches.
How: I Do Not Have Specific Knowledge Of The Issues Around The Post Office In Her Constituency
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