South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has asked the Pensions Minister Steve Webb to consider extending Post Office services with a special consideration for rural area.
Speaking from the House of Common’s prior to the Christmas recess, Ms Ritchie made a statement confirming the Minister’s position of a renewed 7-year contract for Post Offices Limited for the Post Office Card Accounts. Ms Ritchie said: “I warmly welcome the decision to renew the Post Office contract for Post Office Card Accounts until at least 2021. This will guarantee vital services for people without a bank account and supports the Post Office network which serves communities across Northern Ireland.
“This move protects consumers, pensioners and small businesses who all are all supported by this system. The decision will also be of great comfort to people on benefits, pensioners and those in receipt of tax credits who are the main users of Card Accounts.
“I was also pleased to hear that the Minister accepted my request for further consideration to be given to other government services to be provided through the Post Office network. Having access to a greater range of government services and financial services will be especially useful for people living in more isolate rural areas.”
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