Post Offices ready to deliver so much more for the nation

THERE are many who say “cash is dead” or “why pay using cash when it’s easier to just tap your phone?” But look what happened across Spain and Portugal last month when a major power outage resulted in lengthy queues to get cash out from ATMs.

- Neil Brocklehurst

Tens of thousands of people waited in lines to purchase everyday items in dark supermarkets and struggled to pay for essentials if they didn’t have cash. Now the UK’s Treasury Committee has, quite rightly, warned that Britain “must avoid sleepwalking into a situation where cash is no longer widely accepted”.

At the Post Office, we know just how vital cash is for millions of people and small businesses. That’s why I have been delighted to announce a new banking deal, ensuring everyday services remain available at the counter at thousands of Post Offices across the UK.

I’m sure many Express readers have visited their local branch to deposit cash or withdraw money for the food shop or to give as a gift to children and grandchildren. Small businesses — particularly our cafes, pubs and market stall traders — rely on us to deposit cash takings.

Post Offices remain the hub of communities up and down the country — providing face-to-face services relied on by millions of people each week, as well as playing a vital role in the survival of small businesses on our high streets.