UK GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE A SECURE FUTURE FOR POST OFFICES

Published date : 01 Apr 2019

Jenny Gilruth MSP for Mid Fife & Glenrothes has backed calls from SNP MPs at Westminster for the UK Government to ensure the future of the Post Office network is secure.

The calls come as new figures reveal that Scotland is being hit hardest by post office closures. Of 1,016 temporarily closed branches in the UK, 134 are in Scotland, representing 13 per cent.

SNP MPs obtained an Adjournment Debate at Westminster last week on the matter, highlighting the rising importance of Post Offices to small towns and rural communities and renewed SNP calls for the UK Government to act to protect their future.

Jenny Gilruth MSP said:

“Local Post Offices have become increasingly important to local communities – particularly the elderly and those with additional support needs, because of the face-to-face services that they provide.

“Our local Post Offices play a huge role in public life – they are both a symbol of the community and a lifeline on everything from pensions and benefits to vital day-to-day banking services.

“In many communities in Fife, the local Post Office is the last place where a face-to-face service is available, making it essential for people who live here.

“It is now imperative that the UK Government steps in and acts to ensure that the Post Office, a publicly owned body, gets a fair deal.

ENDS

Pictured – Jenny Gilruth MSP and colleague Stephen Gethins MP pictured in Lower Largo.

Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, St Andrews Citizen, Courier (Fife), RESERVED