MP Backs Post Office Bid to Keep Card Contract - Gordon Prentice

Gordon Prentice - Pendle's Campaigning Labour MP

MP Backs Post Office Bid to Keep Card Contract

Written by Gordon Prentice

Wednesday, 18 June 2008 00:00

Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is backing the bid by the Post Office to keep the contract for the Post Office Card Account. The MP claims the future viability of thousands of local Post Office branches would be imperiled if the contract went to another organisation.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: “Close to four million people have a Post Office Card Account and 98% of them are satisfied with the service they get. They can withdraw specific notes such as £5 and even coins – something ATMs cannot do.”

“The Department of Work and Pensions has put the card service out to tender because it wants the keenest price. Nothing wrong with that. But the Government should be aware of the knock-on effect if the Post Office loses the contract.”

“At a stroke, Sub Postmasters direct pay will fall by £40 million.”

The MP added: “The Post Office has put in a very competitive bid and I am pressing Ministers to accept it. I have been inundated with letters and post cards from Pendle people who say the card Account should stay with the Post Office.”

Last month, the MP met Alan Cook, the managing Director of Post Office Ltd, and Gary Hockney-Moreley, the Post Office Marketing Director, to discuss the contract for the Post Office card Account.

Every year £24 billion is paid out to Post Office card Account customers. The Post Office is the largest distributor of £5 notes for the bank of England.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 October 2008 09:43 )