Lib Dem MPs join forces with Postmasters to save local Post Offices
Sub-Post Masters and Mistresses from across Cornwall on Friday evening won backing from Cornwall's Lib Dem MPs in the fight to save local Post Offices. Sub-Post Masters and Mistresses fear they will be forced to close as a result of Government plans to scrap the Post Office Card Account.
Lib Dem MPs, Matthew Taylor and Andrew George, joined Sub-Post Masters and Mistresses from across Cornwall to discuss how to fight the damaging effect of Government plans to discontinue Post Office Card Accounts. The MPs vowed to continue campaigning together with their Lib Dem colleagues in Westminster and at County Hall to retain or replace the Post Office Card Account – a pledge that was warmly welcomed by all those attending the meeting.
Cornwall's Lib Dem MPs are launching constituency surveys of Sub-Post Masters and Mistresses, and also pensioners who would be affected by Government changes. When complete, they will present the findings to the Minister as part of the campaign to save Cornwall's Post Offices.
Matthew Taylor MP is coordinating the survey work. Commenting after the meeting he said:
"The Sub-Post Masters and Mistresses we met know how much their customers rely on their local Post Offices, day in day out. In many small villages, the Post Office is the centre of the community, providing vital services to everyone, not to mention providing a social forum."
"The Government's plans to scrap Post Office Card Accounts will hit pensioners who use small rural Post Offices hardest. Many small Post Offices rely for much of their income on pensioners using their local Post Offices to draw their benefits. Without this business and support, many will face closure. I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues will continue fighting to ensure the Government does not destroy our small communities by cutting off this lifeline."
Commenting, Andrew George MP said:
"The Government must recognise that many pensioners and benefit recipients would prefer the Post Office Card Account. Post Offices prefer it too because it helps to maintain the viability of our vital Sub Post Offices."
"Instead, Ministers are reneging on their promises and throwing the most vulnerable to the mercy of high street banks, which have a very poor record of treatment of those on low incomes."
For further information please contact Jessica Brand
Email: brandj@parliament.uk / Phone: 020 7219 6686
