Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has shared his dismay at the announcement that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised.
The Post Office has revealed plans to hand over its remaining directly-owned branches to franchisees by the autumn, including the branch in Russell Street, Stroud.
It confirmed that it is offloading 108 crown branches which are currently directly owned and run by the company. The process could see the sites taken over by other businesses, while others could face closure as franchises are moved to different premises.
Dr Opher said: “I have been updated about the Post Office’s plans for the future of the Crown Post Offices (which includes the main office in Stroud).
“The first thing to say is that this is deeply unsettling for everyone at the Post Office in Stroud. Their welfare is my priority, and speculation about the future is not helpful.
“Secondly, while I understand the financial difficulties that the Post Office faces, I am concerned at the approach that they have taken. It’s right that they are seeking to ensure that Postmasters in smaller offices are appropriately rewarded, and I welcome that aspect of today’s announcement.
“However, the franchise model they are adopting for the remaining Crown Post Offices has been shown to be inadequate. Many Post Offices that were taken over by, for example, WH Smith now face closure. I fear that this is simply another step down the road towards the privatisation of another community service.
“It’s time we looked again at the forced separation of the Post Office and Royal Mail. This could be an opportunity to think creatively about the two companies working together for their own benefit – and customers.
“I will be engaging with the Post Office, the government and the CWU to make sure that at the very least we maintain the jobs and conditions for employees, and services for the community – and do what we can to try and ensure that this is an opportunity and not a setback. I have already been in touch with Gareth Thomas, the minister responsible.”
