Outreach Post Office Service

Outreach Post Office Service Report to Sticklepath Parish Council October 2022

Outreach Post Office Service to Sticklepath

Purpose

To provide an update on a strategy to address the potential loss of outreach Post Office services from South Zeal Stores to neighbouring villlages.

Background

Most rural post offices are provided franchised from a retail provider, and some 1,700 outreach services are provided by them to village halls etc. South Zeal Stores provide such outreach to 3 other parishes in this way. It should be noted that Parliament recognised that nearly all of the rural Post Offices/outreach services are running at a loss, with less than 30 people a day accessing services when open.

Although there has been a steady reduction of Post Offices, especially in rural areas, there does seem to be a slight increase in demand; firstly because of the closure of many Banks, and secondly because of an increase in online shopping ( returns) and working from home. However, it is uncertain that this has improved the financial viability of rural and especially outreach services.           However, there is a concern that many of our residents will be disenfranchised by not being digitally skilled, and that access to Okehampton Post Office is restricted both by transport needs and increased demands therein.

Actions taken:

• email sent to Alex Hill, Sub Post Master South Zeal. This asked for advice on how outreach services might be maintained if no longer provided by the Stores. No reply as yet.
• Meeting with Cllr Wight, STPC. Although efforts have been taken to try to retain the Post Office as a community amenity in South Zeal, (the Community Right to Bid Moratorium Notice has been circulated). Potential bidders have until 5th October to register their interest but the prospects of continuity remain uncertain. Cllr Wight was willing to consider joint planning re Post Office provision, which is seen as essential in their Parish.
• Cllr Weaver ( Belstone PC) and Cllr Warwick-Oliver ( Throwleigh PC) have been nominated to work with Cllr Moore to investigate the potential to secure outreach services from another provider. Drewsteignton PC meet on the same night as Sticklepath.

Actions required

SPC to accept this update report

To arrange a meeting of PC representatives and to delegate responsibilities to approach local businesses to investigate the possibilities of outreach services being provided from another source.

To make approaches to Post Office Ltd. to request assistance in maintaining services.

Cllr Moore