Saturday, October 14, 2006

53,000 residents of Newcastle and Gateshead to lose Post Office service

THE Government’s decision to axe the Post Office Card Account will see over 53,000 residents of Newcastle and Gateshead losing their right to receive their pensions and benefits through post office branches.

The Government’s decision, taken earlier this year, is expected to lead to thousands of Post Offices closing across the country as many are already struggling even before they lose the business handling pension and benefits money brings.

53,000 residents of Newcastle and Gateshead use Post Office Card Accounts at the moment. They will now be required to open bank accounts to receive their money even though the banks are not required to provide them with banking facilities.

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead launched a petition against the government’s decision earlier this year. They have collected over 3000 signatures calling on Ministers to reverse their decision.

Petition co-ordinator, Councillor Jonathan Wallace, said, “This Government decision is going to cause great difficulties for 53,000 residents of Gateshead and Newcastle. “And it is a nail in the coffin for many Post Offices which will close as a result.

“This decision needs to be reversed. Post Offices carry out important community and social functions. They will be lost with the erosion of the branch network.”

Over 1100 signatures on the petition were collected by Councillors Brenda Osborne and Andrew Graham in their Winlaton and High Spen ward.

"Pensioners should have the choice between getting their money through a Post Office or a bank," said Brenda.
"Labour's decision will take away that choice and puts at risk our vital Post Office network.

"Our petition has attracted a great deal of interest as branch closures affect whole communities. We will continue to collect signatures for some time to come. We will then take the petition to the government."

No comments: