About the Campaign
The Post Office, as part of their Network Change Programme, has announced plans to close over 250 local Post Offices in Scotland by 2009. The first 57 of these planned closures have already been announced, affecting Central Scotland, Greater Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands with more will follow in the coming months.
The SNP believe a strong vibrant post office network is essential and that none of the current outlets in Scotland should be forced to shut as a result of further meddling by the UK Government. We feel that these closures will devastate local communities. Post Offices provide essential social glue in rural areas and much needed social support in deprived areas. They also have a crucial role in supporting small businesses.
Since taking power in the Holyrood Parliament the SNP has made it clear that we oppose these closures (see the text of Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney's speech below). With the announcement of the first list of affected Post Offices we are stepping up our campaign. The provision of postal services is, however, a reserved issue, which lies within the province of the UK Government under the current terms of the devolution settlement.
This means that while we feel the impact keenly and understand only too well the issues on the ground in Scotland, the Scottish Government has limited scope for independent action within the terms of the current Scotland Act. The post office issue is just one further illustration of the weaknesses of the current settlement.
The Post Office, however, has encouraged members of the public to contact their consultation hotline and make their views on the proposed closures known. By completing the email form in this campaign you can add your voice to those protesting against the closure programme.
