Warning of post office closures

THE boss of the Post Office has said that local branches might have to close if the Chancellor does not extend support on energy bills past the current March deadline.

Nick Read said that post offices are helping millions of Britons access help with their energy bills during the current crisis, and urged the Government to think about any knock-on effects of closures.

“Post Office exists to serve communities, keeping people and businesses connected. It’s what we do – it’s in our DNA,” the chief executive said. “Two years ago, during the

Covid pandemic lockdowns, post offices stayed open to make sure people could carry on with the essentials of daily life.”

He said that the current energy support package for businesses and public organisations is “essential” for many post offices to stay open.

The support is set to be reviewed and changed in April – with large cuts to the level of the support widely expected.

“Current Government support on energy costs is essential to many post offices staying open,” Mr Read said.