Link of the month: Live and Local - ruralnet|2008

Why is there a lack of Outreach solutions in some areas?

Answered 22 Feb 2008 by s.roast

Question

Having studied the published Post Office Network Review findings thus far, I am intrigued to find that two of the early reviews (Kent and part of S Wales) contained no provision for "Outreach" proposals whilst N Yorks has 23, and Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire 18. I have lived in SE Kent and did not find it dissimilar to Gloucestershire where I now live - i.e many small communities. How can there be such an imbalance.


Answer

The allocation of Outreach 'solutions' is based not only on the geography of a given area, but also on the present location of Post Offices.

This means that where there are two areas with similar geography, if the prevalence of Post Offices is different then the need for Outreach solutions to be introduced will also be different. Essentially Outreach solutions are used to 'fill the gaps' and ensure that the access criteria laid down by Government are being met.

It is very difficult to compare two areas, without plotting the location of Post Offices and also comparing this data. Post Office Ltd will also have considered the demand (ie the turnover/level of business) of relevant Post Offices. Where turnover varies this will also create variations in the retention/introduction of Post Offices, including Outreach solutions. Unfortunately this information is of a sensative nature and available only to Post Office Ltd.

Once the Network Change Programme is completed there may be opportunity to investigate introduction of further Outreach solutions, but for the duration of the Network Change Programme efforts will be concentrated on ensuring that the national access criteria are being met.

What are Outreach Solutions?


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This item is part of Rural Service Support in partnership with CRC

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Mini biog

Suzanne has worked for Rural Community Council of Essex for over 7 years.  Her current role includes management of the Essex Rural Partnership, and since March she has led a  working group of this Partnership that has been looking at the issue of Post Office closures.  Earlier this year Suzanne was elected to the East of England Rural Forum.