Postmasters can take over the Post Office

The government is planning to revamp the Post Office in light of the Horizon scandal.

Today (Monday), the Department for Business and Trade published a green paper and started a public consultation on the future of this service. This is the first comprehensive review since 15 years.

The government will examine how Post Office Services should be adapted to changing consumer demands.

The Post Office will examine ways to improve the relationship between postmasters and the Post Office, as well as options for modernising its service and adapting to changing consumer needs.

The consultation will also seek views on whether or not the Post Office still needs to operate 11,500 branch offices.

In the green paper, the government has outlined its vision and goals for the Post Office in the next 5 to 10 years. This includes the governance and ownership of the Post Office.

A joint venture between the government and a postmaster-led organization, owned by both parties, is one idea that has been floated. A charter model, similar to the BBC’s current system, could also be used. The government would set out the guiding principles and relinquish its ownership role.

Gareth Thomas, Post Office Minister, said: “Post offices continue to be an important part of high streets and local communities throughout the country. After fifteen years of no proper review and the Horizon scandal it is clear that we need to have a new vision for the future.

This green paper is the beginning of a candid conversation about what the people want and needs from their Post Offices in the future.

He added: “I am looking forward to hearing from customers, business owners, and postmasters to build a Post Office that can serve the public for many generations.”

The consultation will last 12 weeks and end on the 6th of October. The final Horizon Inquiry Report is expected to be released later this year.