Island MP Bob Seely has written to Minister Kevin Hollinrake asking for a better deal for postmasters and is seeking a parliamentary debate on the issue.
Seely is concerned about the future viability of post offices following a recent meeting with Ventnor Sub-Postmaster Andy Smith at which they discussed possible solutions to postmasters’ current difficulties.
In a statement, Bob has said:
“I have discussed this with Andy Smith. He’s come up with some powerful ideas about how to improve the deal postmasters get so that they can continue delivering their services to other Islanders.”
Writing to Minister Hollinrake, Mr Seely detailed his concerns with the Post Office’s current funding system and set out 8 policies, discussed with Mr Smith, that could improve the deal that postmasters get and ensure that postal services continue for Islanders.
Mr Seely wrote:
“The postmaster at Ventnor Post Office is worried that flaws in this structure will discourage potential postmasters from joining and then remaining in the service.
“Postmasters are not receiving the support they need to deliver the services that my constituents require.
Article continues below this advertisement “Postmasters receive only seven pence per processed bill. Postmasters receive no payment for some of the other additional services they provide: they are not paid for stock ordering (currency, cash or stationary) or daily, weekly and monthly cheque balancing. Nor are they paid to prepare the post for delivery by Royal Mail; they also shoulder equipment costs.”
Additionally, Mr Seely expressed concerns that government money was being distributed unequally, pointing out that postmasters only received 40% of profits, with the rest given to Post Office Ltd to be spent on bureaucratic processes rather than service delivery.
Postmasters also have to compete with Royal Mail, the now-privatised postal service that is able to offer lower rates. As they are tied into a Royal Mail contract, postmasters are unable to effectively compete against market forces, meaning they are constantly undercut.
The 8 policies suggested by Sub-Postmaster Smith to improve postmasters’ ability to provide services include: speeding up the rollout of other parcel carrying services; requesting Post Office Ltd. provide postmasters with the equipment they need; exempt smaller businesses hosting Post Offices from paying business rates; and distributing more government money to postmasters, rather than “POL’s bureaucratic back office.”
Mr Seely said:
“I want postmasters in my patch to be able to deliver the services Islanders require. That’s why I am requesting a meeting with Minister Hollinrake and I am also planning to submit applications for a parliamentary debate on this topic.”
Seems to me that Andy Smith is Bob Seely’s adopted twin brother, so of course he is pulling out all the stops to rush to his aid.
He help to sell the post office, what did he think was going to happen. he is not the solution, he’s the problem.
Could not agree more, the blokes ain’t got a clue…..
Chuckal Brothers….imo.
Maybe I am missing the point, but I thought the Post Office was now a private company, so surely they are free to charge what they want to ensure shareholders make money. So would it not be better for our MP when he is down on the Island to champion the needs of people and not private business.
He is smiling because he has just taken out his spending money for Davos – paid for by us.
Hmm.
Bob wants a “postmasters’ deal”.
Bob seems adept at wanting “deals” he’s never going to get.
Oh Bob, just give up trying to be “a man of the people” you’re just a tory, who doesn’t care about the island at all, so stop pretending, people here have seen you for what you really are. You offer no support for any of the real needy on the long forgotten, run down, crime ridden island.
Can’t say anything but nice pic !!!! ??????….
Why do mps councillors politicians all adopt the same SMUG GRIN???????????..
Ooh I know they want to appear human !!!????…. what the heck ??¿??…
This blokes smug face!! What an absolute helmet!! Sooner he’s gone the better!
can’t we post him to Timbuktu one way
Is that when he is not flying to Davos out our expense and living it up with our tax money??
What a travesty