Government Continues to Undermine Post Office Network - Reid

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Jan 2006

Responding to the Department of Work and Pensions' decision not to extend their contract for the Post Office account card beyond 2010, Liberal Democrat Trade and Industry Spokesperson, Alan Reid MP said: "This decision yet again shows how the Government is continuing to undermine the long-term viability of the Post Office network.

"It is vital that when looking at contracts with the Royal Mail, government departments wake-up to the importance of this network, not only in economic terms, but also for its community value.

"Four million people have chosen to use the Post Office card account, and it will generate more than £1 billion in income for Post Offices over the period 2003-2010. The Government should renew this contract otherwise many Post Offices will close, and millions of people will be denied the choice of using the Post Office card account at their local branch."