The Post Office has welcomed the government's Budget announcement highlighting its expansion of multi-carrier self-service Drop Boxes and the modernisation of 600 branches as part of a strategy to champion high streets and support local postmasters.
Government backing for network modernisation
Neil Brocklehurst, chief executive of the Post Office, said the government continues to back the Post Office network through both the Budget and its new strategy to champion the UK's high streets. As part of the Budget, the chancellor announced that the Post Office is upgrading 600 branches and aiming to roll out up to 1,000 new multi-carrier self-service Drop Boxes by the end of the financial year.
Brocklehurst said postmasters will now have the opportunity to bring the new technology into their branches, reducing their costs and giving customers greater choice and flexibility.
Strengthening branches at the heart of communities
Together with the expansion of Post Office Plus, highlighted in the high street strategy, the investment will strengthen the role branches play at the heart of communities across the country, according to Brocklehurst. Modernised branches will offer customers greater convenience and create new opportunities for growth in every postcode by supporting the services that local businesses rely on.
The additional business rates support announced for small businesses was also welcomed. Business rates relief for post offices is something the Post Office has been campaigning for on behalf of its postmasters, and Brocklehurst described the announcement as a first step in the right direction, adding that conversations on further rates support for post offices will continue.
Securing the future of the network
Brocklehurst said these measures will help secure the future of the Post Office network, and the organisation looks forward to working with government to support high streets across the UK.
