Almost 6,000 Post Offices are facing permanent closure as part of a significant restructuring proposal. A recent Government consultation has disclosed that almost half of the 11,500 currently operating Post Offices are no longer financially viable. Those operating on a part-time basis or sharing space with other businesses are particularly vulnerable to closure.

The consultation acknowledges that elderly residents in rural areas will be most affected by these potential closures. The ongoing Future of Post Office consultation, which aims to revamp and reinforce the postal network, is set to conclude today.

In addition, the consultation document suggests a possible redefinition of what constitutes a Post Office “branch” in the future, potentially including “drop and collect” boxes within this definition.

A spokesperson from the Post Office confirmed to the Mirror that there are currently no immediate closure plans and emphasized the importance of maintaining the existing number of branches. The majority of Post Offices are managed by independent postmasters, with some operated by major retailers like WH Smith, Tesco, Morrisons, and the Co-Op.

The Post Office spokesperson expressed support for the current requirement of 11,500 branches and highlighted the intention to expand the range of services available at local branches to encompass additional banking and parcel delivery options, as well as providing space for financial advice services for small businesses.

A Department for Business spokesman stated that while exploring various options for the Post Office’s long-term sustainability, the preference is to retain the current network’s overall size and structure. The Government initiated a green paper in July to examine the organization’s operational strategies.

The Post Office is proposing broader utilization of its stores for services such as pharmacy prescription collection, digital identification, and business advisory services. It is also advocating for tailored tax relief and expanded banking and parcel services, including support for small businesses.

Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office’s CEO, emphasized the necessity for evolution to meet evolving customer demands and to generate revenue for postmasters and partners operating the branch network. The Post Office’s goal is to adapt to modern retail trends driven by digital technologies while upholding its longstanding presence in British society.