Island MP Bob Seely has written to Minister Kevin Hollinrake asking for a better deal for postmasters and is seeking a parliamentary debate on the issue.
Seely is concerned about the future viability of post offices following a recent meeting with Ventnor Sub-Postmaster Andy Smith at which they discussed possible solutions to postmasters’ current difficulties.
In a statement, Seely said: “I have discussed this with Andy Smith. He’s come up with some powerful ideas about how to improve the deal postmasters get so that they can continue delivering their services to other Islanders.”
Writing to Minister Hollinrake, Mr Seely detailed his concerns with the Post Office’s current funding system and set out eight policies, discussed with Mr Smith, that could improve the deal that postmasters get and ensure that postal services continue for Islanders.
Mr Seely wrote: “The postmaster at Ventnor Post Office is worried that flaws in this structure will discourage potential postmasters from joining and then remaining in the service.
“Postmasters are not receiving the support they need to deliver the services that my constituents require.”
Mr Seely continued, writing: “Postmasters receive only seven pence per processed bill. Postmasters receive no payment for some of the other additional services they provide: they are not paid for stock ordering (currency, cash or stationary) or daily, weekly and monthly cheque balancing. Nor are they paid to prepare the post for delivery by Royal Mail; they also shoulder equipment costs.”
Additionally, Mr Seely expressed concerns that government money was being distributed unequally, pointing out that postmasters only received 40% of profits, with the rest given to Post Office Ltd to be spent on bureaucratic processes rather than service delivery.
Postmasters also have to compete with Royal Mail, the now-privatised postal service that is able to offer lower rates. As they are tied into a Royal Mail contract, postmasters are unable to effectively compete against market forces, meaning they are constantly undercut.
The eight policies suggested by Sub-Postmaster Smith to improve postmasters’ ability to provide services include: speeding up the rollout of other parcel-carrying services; requesting Post Office Ltd. provide postmasters with the equipment they need; exempt smaller businesses hosting Post Offices from paying business rates; and distributing more government money to postmasters, rather than “POL’s bureaucratic back office.”
Mr Seely said: “I want postmasters in my patch to be able to deliver the services Islanders require. That’s why I am requesting a meeting with Minister Hollinrake and I am also planning to submit applications for a parliamentary debate on this topic.”
