MP & MSP Reveal Shocking results of Local Post Office Survey

Banff & Buchan representatives Stewart Stevenson MSP and Alex Salmond MP have announced the results of the survey of local Post Offices. The survey was launched at Fetterangus Post Office last month.

Mr Salmond and Mr Stevenson have vigorously opposed Government plans which will lead to a decline in Post Office usage through paying pensions and benefits directly to bank accounts and other proposals which threaten the universal mail service.

The SNP representatives wrote directly to all postmasters in Banff & Buchan seeking their views on the current situation in an effort to provide as much support as possible for the rural Post Office network.

Commenting on the results, Mr Salmond said:

“This has been a very worthwhile exercise and has unfortunately proved that some of my fears are well-founded.

“For instance, over 90 per cent of those who responded felt that the future of their business is under threat from the Government’s move towards direct payment of pensions and benefits. Similar numbers did not feel that enough was being done to promote the new Post Office Card Account or, more importantly, that the application process was straightforward enough.

“This has serious implications for the future of all Post Offices but is especially worrying when so many of the Post Offices in Banff & Buchan are also the sole shop in their village or community.”

Mr Stevenson added:

“A large amount of Post Office income has, until now, come from processing benefit payments but more recently the Government has been encouraging claimants to have benefits paid directly to their bank accounts. The resulting decrease in income for Post Offices means that for many, their future viability could be in question. It is therefore is great concern that our survey has revealed that 68 per cent of respondents felt that the public did not know that they could use certain bank accounts at the Post Office.

“I want to see every effort made to support the continued existence of the Post Office network which is at the heart of our communities.

“I hope that the results of our survey will give us fresh ammunition in our campaign to secure the future of the Post Office and I should like to thank all those who responded with their very valuable feedback.”

While individual responses will remain confidential, the overall results and comments will be sent to the Department for Work and Pensions and the Minister responsible for the Post Office as part of Mr Salmond and Mr Stevenson’s continued efforts on the issue.