Consumer Scotland has responded to the UK Government’s announcement on the future of the Post Office.
The announcement includes a commitment to maintaining a network of at least 11,500 post offices across the UK.
The UK Government will also ask post offices to introduce minimum branch standards from the 2026/2027 financial year – one of a series of recommendations made by Consumer Scotland to the government.
Consumer Scotland Head of Post Grace Remmington said:
“We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a network of post offices across the UK, supported by a continued subsidy designed to safeguard access to essential services.
“These measures are particularly vital for rural and remote communities where the post office plays a critical role in sustaining access to postal, banking and government services.
“We also welcome the Government focus on improving customer service by requiring the Post Office to introduce minimum branch standards from the 2026/2027 financial year onwards.
“This aligns with Consumer Scotland’s recommendations and marks an important step in ensuring modernisation comes with stronger, clearer expectations around the services consumers can rely upon when they enter a post office branch.
“Despite this progress, we want a stronger role for consumers in future decision-making and we will continue to work with the Post Office and the UK Government to consider how they can strengthen consumer representation.”
Background
Consumer Scotland response to Department of Business and Trade Green Paper: Future of Post Office