Working to Save our Post Offices
Joanne is concerned that, under Labour, 20% of Westminster’s Post Offices have been forced to close or relocate since 2003, and the Post Office on Harrow Road is now also under threat.
Speaking about the detrimental impact that such closures have upon the local community Joanne said: 'Post Offices represent a focal point of our community in Westminster North and bring vitality and custom to our high streets; further closures will serve only to deny our most vulnerable citizens access to the vital services on which they are so reliant. I understand the importance of ensuring the economic viability of our Post Offices but I do not believe that this should over-ride the necessity to act in the best interests of local residents.'
Commenting on the possible closure of the Harrow Road post office Joanne said: ‘Labour and Karen Buck are the last people who can be trusted to save the Post Offices in Westminster North. As Chancellor, Gordon Brown presided over the closure of a quarter of the nation’s post office network and Karen Buck continually voted against proposals that would have brought much needed support to Post Offices and sub-postmasters. Labour’s record on Post Offices is clear for all to see: it is one of fewer Post Offices, providing fewer services to fewer people.’
Joanne supports the ‘Post Office Action Plan’ proposed by Conservative Party leader David Cameron, earlier this year to help Post Offices continue their vital work in Westminster North. The proposals include:
- Give sub-Post Offices more freedom to offer a wider range of business services.
- Push for more Post Offices to be "One Stop Shops" – trained staff could then advise on a range of matters including tax returns, pension entitlements, the opening hours of local pharmacies, how to apply for a disabled parking badge etc.
- Encourage local Councils to open "Council Counters" in local branches.
- Allow the Post Office to work with carriers other than the Royal Mail.
- Prevent the Royal Mail taking business away from sub-Post Offices by under cutting the prices they can charge for postage.
Re: Formosa Street Post Office - Open Letter to the Post Office Network Change Team
Help Save the Formosa Street Post Office
Open Letter to Network Change Team
Joanne Campaigns Against Formosa Street Post Office Closure
Save Our Post Offices - Update
Joanne Launches Campaign to Save Our Harrow Road Post Office
Sign the Petition to Keep our Formosa Street, Lisson Grove and Harrow Road Post Offices Open
