Book Description

The post office network has been reduced to 12,000 post offices and outreach services, though the Government has set access criteria for the network to ensure that it covers the whole country. This report examines what services could be provided by the network to ensure its future viability and what people want from their post office network. There is no shortage of demand for more services. The network can and should provide: mail services; financial services (especially enhanced banking services); local authority services; central government services; and broader community services. Many of the problems facing the network are a consequence of the Government moving services online, and so reducing Post Office Ltd's income. The Committee believes the Government has seriously underestimated the potential of the network to serve as a link between government and its citizens. The Digital Britain report (Cm. 7650, ISBN 9780101765022) sees the internet as the primary means of access to public services. The Committee support e-delivery of public services but however much the Government may want to encourage digital inclusion, it also needs to prevent social exclusion. 40 per cent of households do not have internet access. Although some departments are seizing the opportunity a truly national network offers to allow easy access to their services, many government departments are woefully unimaginative about the needs of their customers, and show too little respect for members of the public's right to choose how to deal with the Government.