The Scottish government, Post Office and local councils have been urged to work together to help ensure the network's survival.
Postal services watchdog Consumer Focus Scotland has called for a joint approach in offering more government and council services through local post offices.
In its report, The post office network in Scotland, Consumer Focus said there was a need to improve the sustainability of the network and that local authorities could play a vital role in achieving this.
Consumer Focus cited an initiative between Fife police and post offices where members of the public are able to report minor crimes, submit driving documents and collect or hand in lost property at their local branch.
Consumer Focus Scotland postal services policy manager Annie McGovern said it was an opportunity to both help post offices and bring services to more people. “Post offices are Scotland’s largest retail chain, as well as being trusted and valued hubs embedded in local communities across Scotland,” she said. “Offering more council services at post office counters could bridge the digital divide and help to preserve these vital community assets that so many vulnerable people clearly depend on.
“It’s time for the Scottish government, councils and the Post Office to come together and develop a plan that will boost our Post Offices and the services they offer vulnerable people,” she added.
Postal services watchdog Consumer Focus Scotland has called for a joint approach in offering more government and council services through local post offices.
In its report, The post office network in Scotland, Consumer Focus said there was a need to improve the sustainability of the network and that local authorities could play a vital role in achieving this.
Consumer Focus cited an initiative between Fife police and post offices where members of the public are able to report minor crimes, submit driving documents and collect or hand in lost property at their local branch.
Consumer Focus Scotland postal services policy manager Annie McGovern said it was an opportunity to both help post offices and bring services to more people. “Post offices are Scotland’s largest retail chain, as well as being trusted and valued hubs embedded in local communities across Scotland,” she said. “Offering more council services at post office counters could bridge the digital divide and help to preserve these vital community assets that so many vulnerable people clearly depend on.
“It’s time for the Scottish government, councils and the Post Office to come together and develop a plan that will boost our Post Offices and the services they offer vulnerable people,” she added.
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