LOCAL Post Offices received a boost last week when the Government awarded the contract for the Post Office Card Account (POCA) service to the Post Office. This is great news for the Post Office.
Following our representations to James Purnell, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, I am delighted that the Government has listened to what I have been saying on behalf of local people.
The Government has awarded a new contract for the continuation of POCA directly to the Post Office.
This announcement is good news for the Post Office as the card account is an important source of income and brings customers through the doors of post offices across the country.
Post offices rely on the business that people picking up their pensions or benefits through the Post Office Card Account bring into branches. Around 22,960 people in Bolton have their accounts in post offices.
With the financial crisis that started with the American banks now being felt here in Britain, people are feeling worried about their finances.
Post offices are often the only providers of banking services in local areas so this vote of confidence in the Post Office is very welcome.
We will continue to channel council work through the Post Office to help to ensure the long term viability of the network in Bolton.
Cllr Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council
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