SNP support Scotland's Post Offices

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2008-10-04
Cllr Grant was joined by First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond MSP as he campaigned in Methil. Three post offices in the Glenrothes constituency have closed under the current UK Government backed plans to close 2500 post offices, despite considerable local opposition. The loss of the Post Office Card Account could lead to 3000 closures according to the Federation of Sub PostMasters. Speaking from Methil Post Office in Glenrothes Cllr Peter Grant said; “Post Offices remain the heart of local communities.  Here in the Glenrothes constituency we have already seen Post Offices closed and boarded up as the UK Government strips away this valuable local service. “The Card Account offers many vulnerable people safe and secure access to their pensions and benefits.  Removing the account, particularly at a time when people are more concerned about their finances than ever before, would be devastating for communities. “To remove the Post Office Card Account from local post offices could spell the end of many post offices in this community.    “It is indicative of this Labour Government’s attitude that our high streets are being put at risk with this threat to the post office.  “The SNP is on your side and wants to see Post Offices given the best possible chance of survival on our high streets – that’s why I want to see the Card Account stay with the Post Office and Post Offices stay open.”  SNP Leader and First Minister Alex Salmond said;  “The SNP supports Scotland’s high streets.  That’s why we cut business rates for our small and medium sized businesses, rates which will reduce even further in April to help people build their business, employ new staff and keep local businesses going through these tough times.  “In contrast the UK Labour Government is not only presiding over the closure of 2500 post offices  but is considering taking the Card Account, a valuable part of any Post Office’s business, away from Scotland’s Post Offices.  “With the current economic climate and understandable concern amongst the public over the security of their money the Post Office Card Account is an essential service for vulnerable customers.  “Not only would taking the Card Account away from the Post Office affect those people receiving their benefits and pensions from the Post Office but by damaging post office business and risking further post office closures high streets could be left without the essential public service the post office provides.”