Post Offices offer a ‘sanctuary’ for all those left behind by digital world

FEARS FOR FUTURE OF 11,500 BRANCHES

- By Katie Harris Senior Political Correspondent

LABOUR has been warned against more Post Office cuts due to fears over the impact on pensioners.

The Government is carrying out a consultation on whether to ditch the rule to keep at least 11,500 branches open.

But Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group for over 60s, insisted that Post Offices are a “sanctuary” for older people who have been left behind in an increasingly digital world.

He added that it “keeps the cash economy alive” amid concerns of a move towards a cashless society.

Writing in the Daily Express — which is campaigning against any cuts to branches — Mr Reed said: “Labour would be bonkers to consider slashing the local Post Office network, or leaving the network’s fate in the hands of the market.

“It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the local Post Office to millions of older people. The Post Office is a sanctuary for all those who are digitally excluded from many other services and the Post Office keeps the cash economy alive. Older people can access their pensions and benefits, pay bills over the counter and post presents and cards.”

He added: “Older knees will be trembling at the thought of losing essential local Post Offices and congratulations to the Express for launching this campaign.

“The local Post Office is the last bastion against the march of the digital world, which is leaving millions of pensioners behind.

“You can still get your pension paid in cash at the Post Office, you can pay your utility bills by cheque or cash, you can pay in cheques and do simple banking in the growing absence of local bank branches. And of course buy stamps and post letters and parcels.