'Last bastion' - Stafford borough councillors speak in support of Post Offices

A Green Paper has been launched on the future of the Post Office and a public consultation is currently under way.

Members of Stafford Borough Council were made aware of the consultation at their full meeting on Tuesday (September 9), when Councillor Roy James put forward a question. He said: “On July 14 2025, the Government launched a Green Paper on the Post Office and in so doing launched the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in over 15 years.

“Given the consultation, which closes on October 6 2025, will the council make a submission to ensure that rural and vulnerable communities in our area continue to have reliable local access to Post Office services and that the critical role that Post Offices play is recognised by decision makers in London?

“Post Offices play a vital role in maintaining access to postal services, banking, many government departments for things like driving licences and passports and for access to cash and bill payment services, especially for those relying on access in person. They play a particularly important role for the elderly and for many within our disadvantaged communities.

“Post Offices are especially important in rural communities, where they may be the last bastion in that community with access to goods and these services. Many of these Post Offices rely on the income from providing these services to remain viable and without this would simply disappear, leaving a massive hole in our communities.”

Councillor James told fellow councillors that In 1985 there were more than 20,000 Post Offices across the country, but this had reduced to 11,665 by April this year. More than 5,000 Post Offices are in rural areas, he added, and 1,600 were classed as the last shop in the village.

Councillor Jill Hood, cabinet member for community, thanked Councillor James for bringing the consultation to the authority’s attention. She added: “I fear if you had not have done, it would have passed and we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to reply to it.

“I am sure most of you know Councillor James helps his wife run a Post Office, so he is very well qualified to speak about this.

“One of the questions in the consultation that has been brought forward is postmasters should be able to input more than they currently do into Government decisions on the Post Office. Of course they should, they have the knowledge of their community who use their Post Office as Councillor James has just demonstrated.

“Disappointingly, we don’t have any officers who have the expertise to deal with this consultation. But I am sure we all agree the Post Office is a service we must try to retain, not just for the rural areas but also for the urban areas for those who are not digital.

“I’m happy to work with you, Councillor James, to provide a response on behalf of the council.”