Press Release
Boris Johnson calls on the Government to save London's post offices
26-6-2008 322
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has called on the Government to do all it can to save London’s post offices.
His comments follow the rejection of his application to the High Court for a judicial review designed to stop the closure of 162 post offices across London.
The Mayor has written to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, John Hutton calling on him to take immediate action to save London’s post offices.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said,
“The judicial review submitted by the Greater London Authority to stop Post Office Closures has not been accepted by the High Court.
“As Mayor I was confident that we had a strong case for the review based on the fact that the original Post Office consultation period was far too short and that the closures disproportionately affect London.
“I am deeply disappointed that the review has not been successful and have written to the Secretary of State, John Hutton to express my feelings. I have also called on him to persuade the Government, as the only shareholder in the Post Office, to reconsider the current closure programme and take urgent action to save London’s post offices.
“It is high time the Government acknowledged it's responsibility and intervened. Post Offices provide a vital local service for communities, especially the elderly and families and they must be protected.
“We have done all we can to stop the closure of post offices in London by not only taking up this legal action but by trying to pass on extra business to post offices through TfL.
“I will continue with every enthusiasm to support the people of London who are campaigning against local post office closures across the city.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors
- All applications for Zip Oyster photocards, which all 11-15 year-olds must carry to avail of free travel in London, and 5-10 Oyster photocards which 5-10 year-olds need to travel free, have to made at a Post Office. This business was given in accordance with accordance with best value procurement procedures.
- The Mayor sent a letter to John Hutton Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on Thursday June 26th. The text of this letter is below:
Rt Hon. John Hutton MP
Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and
Regulatory Reform
Department for Business, Enterprise and
Regulatory Reform
1 Victoria Street
Dear John
I was extremely disappointed to learn that the High Court has rejected my legal challenge to the current post office closure programme, under which 162 branches in London are in the process of being closed.
I continued with my predecessor’s legal action because London has already experienced disproportionately high levels of post office closures in recent years compared with other areas of the country. Community-based enterprises like local post offices provide vital services for Londoners, especially older Londoners and families, and they must be protected. Post Offices are crucial in supporting local retail, and where a post office closes, small businesses suffer.
Following this closure programme in London, there will only be around 10 post offices per 100,000 residents compared with an average of 18 post offices per 100,000 residents for all post office closure plan areas nationally. London has historically suffered more heavily than other areas from post office closures. From 2001 to 2007 the number of post offices in London declined by over 30% compared with a national decline of 20%.
As the only shareholder in the Post Office, it is the Government’s responsibility to provide the necessary resources to protect post office branches. I therefore call on you to reconsider and take urgent action to save London’s post offices.
Yours sincerely
Boris Johnson
Mayor of London
|
Home | About | City Hall | Contact | FAQ | Help | Jobs | Site map
