GREEN GIRO CONTRACT AND THE FUTURE OF THE POST OFFICE

That this House notes with regret the decision by the Department for Work and Pensions not to award the green giro contract to the Post Office; furthernotes that there are communities in which Paypoint provision is not easily accessible; is concerned that some vulnerable recipients could find difficulty cashing weekly payments at Paypoint outlets due to lack of guaranteed cash provision; recognises that Post Office staff are highly trained and able to give specialist advice in a safe and professional environment; is concerned about the effect that the loss of the contract may have on the future viability of the Post Office network; and urges the Government to enter into talks with the Post Office to explore what further scope there is to encourage claimants to continue using Post Office services.