Stevenson Backs Rural Post Offices In Parliament

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has given his backing to a Parliamentary Motion supporting Scotland’s rural Post Offices.

The Motion, which was tabled by SNP MSP John Swinney highlights the threat to the rural Post Office Network in Scotland and calls on the Scottish Government to challenge the UK Government on its policy in this area.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am very concerned for the future of the rural Post Office network and note that the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provides financial assistance to the rural post office network in Scotland and that this is scheduled to be removed in 18 months’ time.

“Whilst the DTI provides this financial support, other UK Government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Transport and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are taking decisions that diminish the volume and value of business that helps to support Post Office branches. This, in turn, is detrimental to the viability of these Post Offices.

“It has to be identified that if the rural Post Office network is not supported, there will be severe economic loss and loss of amenity in numerous communities in rural Scotland. Surely, it is time for the Scottish Executive to make representations to the UK Government to provide a steady level of support that guarantees the viability of the rural Post Office network.”
Categories [Environment and Rural Development] [Enterprise and Lifelong Learning]