The Post Office should reconsider closing 32 branches in London

The Post Office has published plans to close 32 directly owned branches across London. Research by the National Audit Office has shown those most acutely affected by Post Office branch closures are the elderly, disabled and parents of young children.

Today, the London Assembly has called on the Mayor to write to the Chair of the Post Office Ltd Board, Nigel Railton, asking that the decision is reconsidered.

Hina Bokhari AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“I was shocked to hear that the Post Office plans to close 32 branches across London.

“I speak to dozens of people across London every week and I know that when these post office branches close, thousands of people and small businesses across our city will lose out.

“Post office branches are an essential public service. From pensioners accessing money, businesses sending out stock, and visitors going to change currency, they serve many, many purposes for our communities.

“I’m delighted the Assembly has passed this motion compelling the Mayor to make sure the voice of Londoners is heard as the decisions about the future of these vital Post Office branches are made.”

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly Notes:

• The Post Office has published plans to close 32 directly owned branches across London.
• Post office branches are essential to our communities – helping pensioners access and manage their money, small businesses send out stock and visitors change currency. The closure of so many branches across the City would make life more difficult for thousands of people.
• Research by the National Audit Office has shown those most acutely affected by Post Office branch closures are the elderly, disabled and parents of young children.
• The Post Office is owned by the Government, through the Department for Business and Trade and UK Government Investments, however the Post Office Ltd Board has responsibility for the operations of the Post Office.

This Assembly call on the Mayor to:

• Support London’s local communities and high streets by writing to the Chair of the Post Office Ltd Board, Nigel Railton, asking that the decision is reconsidered.
• Publicly pledge his support for the 32 affected Post Office branches in London remaining open.
• Pro-actively engage with the Department for Business and Trade and the Post Office to ensure the voice of Londoners is heard in this decision making process.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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