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13/11/2008
£1bn Post Office Contract Welcomed
The Post Office has been awarded a contract that would distribute benefits to millions of claimants, it was announced today.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said the announcement that the Post Office would continue to provide the Post Office Card Account (POCA), was "good news for our constituents, good news for Post Office Ltd and good news for sub-postmasters".
The contract will run initially from 2010 to March 2015, with the possibility of extension beyond that.
The account, used by around 4.3 million claimants, was brought in to end the need for giros and payment books for pensioners and those claiming benefits.
Mr Purnell said the Post Office is a "cherished institution at the heart of many communities", and was viewed by many as a safe and reliable provider of financial services.
In a statement, Lord Mandelson, hailed the news, saying the decision could secure the future of the Post Office.
He said: "Now the challenge will be for the Post Office to broaden its offer to loyal customers and to bring in new ones to help get it on to a stable financial footing."
However, Alan Duncan, the Conservative business spokesman, called the decision a "humiliating climbdown" for the Government "who have done everything they possibly can to find a way of awarding it (the contract) to somebody else".
Ministers from all parties have campaigned for the contract to remain with the Post Office, as the Federation of SubPosters - who welcomed today's decision - warned 3,000 branches would have closed if the contract had not been renewed.
(JM)
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said the announcement that the Post Office would continue to provide the Post Office Card Account (POCA), was "good news for our constituents, good news for Post Office Ltd and good news for sub-postmasters".
The contract will run initially from 2010 to March 2015, with the possibility of extension beyond that.
The account, used by around 4.3 million claimants, was brought in to end the need for giros and payment books for pensioners and those claiming benefits.
Mr Purnell said the Post Office is a "cherished institution at the heart of many communities", and was viewed by many as a safe and reliable provider of financial services.
In a statement, Lord Mandelson, hailed the news, saying the decision could secure the future of the Post Office.
He said: "Now the challenge will be for the Post Office to broaden its offer to loyal customers and to bring in new ones to help get it on to a stable financial footing."
However, Alan Duncan, the Conservative business spokesman, called the decision a "humiliating climbdown" for the Government "who have done everything they possibly can to find a way of awarding it (the contract) to somebody else".
Ministers from all parties have campaigned for the contract to remain with the Post Office, as the Federation of SubPosters - who welcomed today's decision - warned 3,000 branches would have closed if the contract had not been renewed.
(JM)
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18 October 2006
Postmasters call for safeguard of rural offices
Postmasters are calling for urgent action by the government in order to safeguard rural post offices. The National Federation of Subpostmasters held a rally in London on Wednesday, while a petition of four million names was handed into 10 Downing Street. The NFSP general secretary Colin Baker warned that this was now "crunch time" for post offices.
Postmasters call for safeguard of rural offices
Postmasters are calling for urgent action by the government in order to safeguard rural post offices. The National Federation of Subpostmasters held a rally in London on Wednesday, while a petition of four million names was handed into 10 Downing Street. The NFSP general secretary Colin Baker warned that this was now "crunch time" for post offices.
16 September 2004
Rural Post Offices to receive further funding
A new government support package worth £300million has been allocated for rural post offices from 2006-2008 it was announced today. The current three year funding initiative which runs until 2006 aims to enable Post Office Ltd to continue to meet the cost of maintaining the non-commercial part of the rural post office network.
Rural Post Offices to receive further funding
A new government support package worth £300million has been allocated for rural post offices from 2006-2008 it was announced today. The current three year funding initiative which runs until 2006 aims to enable Post Office Ltd to continue to meet the cost of maintaining the non-commercial part of the rural post office network.
14 November 2013
Crown Post Office Staff To Hold 13th Strike Action
Post Office staff are to undertake further strike action, the 13th such action since Easter. Some 4,000 Communication Workers Union (CWU) members at 372 of the UKs larger Crown post officers will hold a half-day strike on 20 November. It is the latest action in a long running dispute over jobs, pay and branch closures.
Crown Post Office Staff To Hold 13th Strike Action
Post Office staff are to undertake further strike action, the 13th such action since Easter. Some 4,000 Communication Workers Union (CWU) members at 372 of the UKs larger Crown post officers will hold a half-day strike on 20 November. It is the latest action in a long running dispute over jobs, pay and branch closures.
07 May 2013
Strike Underway At Crown Post Offices
A one-day strike is underway at some 370 Crown Post Offices across the UK, in a dispute over closures, franchising, jobs and pay. 70 of the Crown Post Offices, the bigger post office branches found on high streets, are to be franchised or partnered with a retailer.
Strike Underway At Crown Post Offices
A one-day strike is underway at some 370 Crown Post Offices across the UK, in a dispute over closures, franchising, jobs and pay. 70 of the Crown Post Offices, the bigger post office branches found on high streets, are to be franchised or partnered with a retailer.
27 September 2004
Norfolk post offices take on policing duties
Post offices in the Norfolk area will take on some policing services from today under a pilot scheme designed to improve community access to police in the area.
Norfolk post offices take on policing duties
Post offices in the Norfolk area will take on some policing services from today under a pilot scheme designed to improve community access to police in the area.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
