Jardine leads debate on "vital" changes to Post Office services

Edinburgh West's Lib Dem MP led a debate in Parliament on threats to Post Office services in Edinburgh West, following a series of closures. 

Christine raised the shocking statistic that 6% of all Post Offices in Scotland had closed in the last two years alone. 

With Edinburgh West also losing 70% of its bank branches since 2015, she is now worried that vulnerable constituents will lose access to services altogether. 

The Liberal Democrat called on the UK Government to invest in improved pay and conditions for sub-Postmasters, who operate Post Office services within their existing shops. 

In response, Minister Kevin Hollinrake said the Government will work with the Post Office to make the organisation “fit for the future”, including reviewing remuneration for Postmasters. 

Following the debate, Christine said: 

“I wanted to draw to the Government’s attention the issues that my constituents are facing every day with their Post Office service. 

“Almost 1 in 5 people still use a Post Office once a week, and they are vital for many groups in our community – including elderly and vulnerable people. 

“Although we have seen closures across Edinburgh West, this is not a problem confined to our city, and affects urban and rural communities alike. 

“That’s why I was delighted to secure this opportunity to raise the vital issue of access to Post Office services in my constituency. 

“However, I was disappointed by the lack of concrete action from the Government to improve remuneration for the hardworking Postmasters who keep our communities connected. This is the second debate this year where the poor pay and conditions for Sub-Postmasters has been raised, and the second debate where the Government have refused to commit to doing more for them. 

“In places like Duart Crescent, this lack of support is why we are finding it so difficult to find a permanent Postmaster.  

“I will continue to press the Government for more support, so no more communities are cut off from the services they need.”