Blow to Local Post Offices

OMBUDSMAN REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE POST OFFICE CLOSURES

The Parliamentary Ombusdman has refused to investigate the provision of incorrect information during the consultation process leading to the closure of Downswood, Roseacre and Bearsted Green Post Offices. Hugh Robertson, the local MP, had asked the Ombudsman to investigate on the grounds that the Post Office had, by their own admission, provided incorrect information and that this had prejudiced the consultation.

The Ombudsman ruled that the Post Office was not a central government department or a statutory public body. Hugh Robertson had argued that it was a decision of the DTi, to end the subsidy, that directly led to the closure.

Hugh said: “I am extremely disappointed by the Ombudsman’s refusal to investigate. The decision to close one third of the urban network was a direct consequence of a government decision to end the subsidy.

“There was also clearly incorrect information provided during the consultation period that led to a flawed process. The statutory watchdog, Postwatch, has been entirely unable to offer my constituents any protection at all.

“This decision will come as a huge blow to many elderly and disadvantaged constituents.”