We are all aware that we need to protect our post offices by opening up options to attract and retain customers. I, therefore, wholeheartedly welcome a new and substantial report from Consumer Focus.
The respected and statutory consumer champion's research indicates that over 18 million consumers might use post offices, in addition to their bank branches, to access their current accounts.
With 11,800 branches, there are more post offices than bank branches thousands of which have been closed leaving many living in "banking deserts."
The post office could become a 'neighbourhood bank' offering access to bank accounts for all, regardless of provider, and improving access to face-to-face banking services.
Although most current accounts can already be accessed through post offices, it is not universally known, doesn't always allow people to pay in money and has not been marketed as effectively as if the post office could say 'access all current accounts here'.
I agree with the report's recommendation that all banks should allow access via the post office and that this should be made universally known.
The report also rightly urges post offices to improve their services by tackling queues for instance.
This would strengthen post offices and appeal to those who cannot use internet banking, who prefer face-to-face access to their accounts, need easier access to their cash and for businesses which need to withdraw and deposit large amounts of cash and cheques every day.
Their research demonstrates the considerable appetite among consumers for access to all current accounts, regardless of provider, at post offices. The North East has the highest enthusiasm for being able to use the post office for this purpose. I shall pursue the issue in Parliament
On a related theme, may I also remind you about my forthcoming Debt Awareness drop-in event at my constituency office on 23rd September from 10-1.
This free event will first focus on how people can budget and manage money effectively without the need for drastic measures. Next there will be a business workshop which will draw on the expertise of the Federation for Small Business and the North East Chamber of Commerce. It aims to arm local businesses with tools to survive the sluggish economic recovery.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |