The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged support for local shops that host the majority of the UK’s Post Offices, and called on the government to ensure that they can continue to provide essential services to communities.
In its submission to the Government’s Green Paper on the future of the Post Office, the ACS highlighted the need for support for local shops on areas such as fair business rates, tackling retail crime, balanced regulation and effective enforcement.
Nearly one in five convenience stores across the UK provide Post Office services, acting not just as retail outlets but as vital community hubs. ACS’ Community Barometer 2025 revealed that Post Offices are one of the top three most essential services locally, as well as having the most positive impact in local communities.
The submission highlighted:
· Business Environment Pressures: High business rates, and rising labour costs, including the National Living Wage, National Insurance Contributions, and employment regulation, are squeezing margins and undermining retailers’ ability to invest in Post Office and other services.
· Crime: Retail crime is now one of the most significant challenges facing local shops, it deters staff, diverts resources, suppresses consumer confidence, and increases costs.
· Regulation and Enforcement: Effective regulation and enforcement are essential to protect young people and legitimate retailers.
· Incentivising Investment: Independent retailers face significant barriers in securing affordable investment to modernise and expand. Government schemes must be simplified and better targeted to support small businesses.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Post Offices are a deeply valued community service, but their future is intrinsically linked to the viability of the convenience stores that host them. With the right support, from fairer business rates to action on retail crime, the Government can help convenience stores continue to thrive and keep these vital services at the heart of local communities. Unless local shops are supported in government policy, Post Offices and other essential services will lose their host businesses and it is very unlikely that others will step in or that these services will be offered as a standalone business.”
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