Future of Post Offices 'at risk'

The future of Post Offices is at risk if they cannot identify a new business model.

That is according to the Communications Minister, who was speaking following a report into the future of post offices.

It makes a number of recommendations including establishing a current account style bank account service.

Communications Minister Alex White has said many Post Offices could close if things don't change: “it’s a measure of how big the challenge is, that if we don’t succeed in attracting more goods and services into the Post Offices,

“That their future will be at risk, so might as well put it bluntly and clearly in that way, so that represents a challenge for all of us.”

The Post Office Business Development group gave its final report today, suggesting that they establish basic bank accounts, new channels for paying motor tax and more business services.

The report also said that the social aspect of the post office needs to be highlighted.

CEO of the Post Office Network Donal Connell says that a range of services, including the provision of broadband, need to be looked at.

Mr Connell said: "It is very important for the Post Office to be relevant to the new generation and we need services and products that appeal to them.

"A key area, for example, is internet purchasing. We deliver a substantial amount of parcels and packets generated by internet purchasing by younger people. That's a big growth business for us."