Motion 44

Post Office Closures

“That this Congress notes:

the vital role that Post Offices play in our communities, acting as a lifeline for individuals, businesses, and entire neighbourhoods. Post Offices are not merely transactional facilities but essential hubs of connection, accessibility, and support;
the concerning trend of Post Office closures in recent years has had a devastating impact on the communities they serve. The loss of a Post Office often removes the last accessible, in-person banking option available to residents, leaving vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled, and those without digital access, disproportionately affected. Small businesses also rely heavily on Post Offices for services such as mail, banking, and logistics, meaning closures jeopardise local economies and employment; and
115 branches, including nine in Scotland are likely to close and approximately 1,000 members of staff are also at risk of losing their jobs.

“Congress believes:

the impact of Post Office closures will be more significant in Scotland’s Highland, Island, and rural communities, where geographical remoteness magnifies the loss of essential services. In these areas, Post Offices often act as the only local lifeline, with no viable alternatives available; and
Post Offices can and should be reimagined and invested in as modern community hubs. With proper funding and support, Post Offices could expand their role, offering enhanced services such as digital access support, community meeting spaces, and initiatives to tackle isolation and loneliness.

“Congress resolves:

to demand the UK and Scottish Governments to introduce a robust strategy to prevent further Post Office closures and to guarantee a long-term future for the service; and
to campaign for significant investment in the postal service including the Post Office, to develop a role as community hubs, with a particular emphasis on serving remote and rural areas alongside a new role for postal workers.”

Mover: Communication Workers’ Union

Tags: Carried