Post Office CEO welcomes Chancellor's Budget announcements to support branch network

Welcoming the Government’s Budget announcements today, Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office CEO, said: “It’s clear that the Government continues to back the Post Office network – both through the Budget and its new strategy to champion the UK’s high streets.

“As part of his Budget, the Chancellor announced that Post Office is upgrading 600 branches and aiming to roll out up to 1,000 new multi-carrier self-service Drop Boxes by the end of the financial year. Postmasters will now have the opportunity to bring the new technology into their branches, reducing their costs and giving customers greater choice and flexibility.

“Together with the expansion of Post Office Plus, highlighted in the high street strategy, this investment will strengthen the role our branches play at the heart of communities across the country. Our modernised branches will offer customers greater convenience and create new opportunities for growth in every postcode by supporting the services that local businesses rely on.

“The additional business rates support announced today for small businesses is also welcome news. Business rates relief for post offices is something that we have been campaigning for, on behalf of our postmasters. This is a first step in the right direction and we will continue our conversations on further rates support for post offices.

“Together, these measures will help secure the future of the Post Office network, and we look forward to working with Government to support high streets across the UK.”

You can read more about the Budget announcements for Post Office here.