Rt Hon Francis Maude MP
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS

15th October 2012

Dear Francis,

I am writing to with regard to the future of the post office network, following correspondence with a significant number of my constituents who are deeply worried that they may not be able to continue to obtain driving licenses, vehicle tax disks and other DVLA services at their local post office, and who are keen to see the Government do more to ensure that central and local government services are accessible to communities across the UK through the post office network.

I welcome your statement in the House on 5th September that you are working with the BIS Minister who has responsibility for post offices and doing what you can to encourage the post office network to be a front office for a number of Government services as a valuable function.

I am sure that many of my constituent would be pleased if there were some concrete examples of where Government is making this happen, and one area where this could be demonstrated is by supporting the Post Office’s bid to retain the DVLA contract.

Given you may be involved in cross-departmental discussions regarding the future of the post office network, I would also like to highlight the importance of wider funding arrangements for sub post office branches to ensure their financial viability is not undermined, particularly in rural areas and deprived urban communities where their social value is greatest.

Of particular concern, is the proposed removal of the fixed core tier payment. I hope that your Department recognises the importance of this -  and the continued provision of DVLA services  - and that you will do everything you can to avoid further closures of post offices, recognise that the contribution they make and avoid any further harmful changes that put the interest of short term profit over the future of a much needed public service.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of these matters and I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Pavilion

Read the ministerial response here