Carmichael highlights vital role of post offices in financial inclusion debate

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has highlighted the importance of retaining local post office services in Parliament. Speaking in a debate on Wednesday evening on financial inclusion in rural areas, led by fellow Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine, Mr Carmichael noted the role post offices play in supporting small businesses connected to the visitor economy in the Northern Isles, and called on ministers to protect the “full range” of services in any future changes to Crown Post Offices such as the branch in Kirkwall.

Mr Carmichael is Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“We tend to think of the issue [of financial inclusion in rural areas] as being principally about people having access to cash, but in communities like mine, where a lot of cruise ships come in the summer, tour guides get tipped in dollars, euros and other currency. For that, they need access to a bureau de change, which in our case is effectively the post office. Having a full range of post office services is particularly important so that they can pay their money in. 

“When the Minister talks to her colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade about the future of Crown post offices, will she remember the range of potential impacts on local communities?”

Responding for the government, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Hardy MP said:

“He made an important point about the role and importance of the post office. I am sure that it will be noted by the Department.

“I know that many rural constituencies are concerned about the availability of cash, especially when they rely on it to pay for essential goods and services. We recognise how important that is for many vulnerable people. Arguments have been made by some—not by the Government—that people are using digital more and more, so there is less need for cash. However, we recognise that for some people it is the only way of paying bills and accessing funds. It is important that we continue to have it, because many rely on it for essential goods and services.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Financial inclusion is not an abstract concept but something that really matters for islanders who need access to cash and other financial services – and we cannot take it for granted.

“Since the future status of the Kirkwall Crown Post Office has come under review, many islanders have contacted me to voice their concerns and to highlight the many ways they use Post Office services. Whatever the result of these consultations – and they must include the community before any decision is made – the red line must be the maintenance of existing services and access. The Post Office belongs to all of us as a public institution, so it must be accountable to our community.”