Rural and island postal services: letter to UK Government Minister

To: Kate Dearden MP, Minister of State (Minister for the Future of Work), Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

From: Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, Minister for Public Finance

Dear Kate,

I am writing to you as the Scottish Government’s Public Finance Minister with portfolio responsibility for consumer advocacy and advice. My role includes liaison with UK Government, Ofcom and industry on the reserved issue of postal services, post offices and the Royal Mail. 

The UK Government’s Response to the Future of Post Office Green Paper was welcomed by the Scottish Government, especially the commitments to maintaining the 11,500 minimum number of branches and to introduce a requirement that least 50% of the network must be full‑service branches. Ivan McKee, the now Cabinet Sectary for Public Service Reform, made it clear in his response to Blair McDougall, as the then Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, that access to a post office continues to be a vital lifeline for rural and island communities.

I was extremely disappointed, therefore, to learn that Kirkwall Post Office in Orkney closed with no notice and remains closed. I understand that it is unclear when, or indeed if, this post office will reopen.

Post and postal services are vital to Scotland’s rural and island communities. Consumer Scotland research highlights that around 18% of the Scottish population live in these areas which equates to 930,000 people. This is a large proportion of people who rely on post offices for services such as savings accounts, pensions, benefits and tax credits, bill payments, foreign money and travel insurance.  The Consumer Scotland research also suggested that the UK Government should develop a Rural Strategy for Post Office provision.

I would appreciate an urgent response on the immediate and longer term steps the UK Government is taking to ensure that the people of Orkney get the post office service they deserve. I would also appreciate an update from the Minister on what the UK Government’s position is on the development of a Rural Strategy for Post Offices.

The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK Government and Post Office Ltd to ensure that there is a sustainable post office network in Scotland’s rural and island communities now and into the future.

Yours sincerely,

Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP