Government tactics leading to more post office closures

12.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Dec 2003

Local MP Andrew Stunell is fighting attempts by the Government to trick customers with post office accounts into switching to bank accounts under the pretext of offering them fair, unbiased advice. This is done in a bid to slash costs and services, and will lead to more post office closures in Stockport claims Mr Stunell.

Andrew Stunell said:

"It's outrageous that customer conversion centres which have been set up to give fair, unbiased advice are actually crafty tools to promote the Government's post office closure agenda. The Government want 9 out of 10 customers who make a new claim to move on to a bank account regardless of what suits their individual needs."

In response to a Trade and Industry Committee report, the Government admitted that getting customers into bank accounts rather than Post Office Card Accounts was a priority because bank accounts were cheaper to administer.

According to Mr Stunell, "This is in direct contradiction to their stated aim in setting up customer conversion call centres for the benefit of the customers."

Andrew Stunell said, "post offices get 40% of their custom from account holders. 2 post offices have already closed in Stockport. These moves are bound to lead to more closures, lost jobs and lost customer service, for good. ENDS