Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael today (Wednesday 18 February 2009) urged local communities to have their say on the future of Post Offices. Mr Carmichael is drawing attention to the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee which is currently conducting an inquiry into the future of Post Offices.

The Committee has set up an online forum to listen to the views of individuals and businesses that use Post Offices. Individuals can visit the forum, register and share their views at - http://forums.parliament.uk/post-office-future/

Commenting Mr Carmichael said -

“Reliance on the Post Office network is high throughout the country, especially in rural communities. This is true in Orkney and Shetland. It is also the case that the Isles have particular need which can be met by the Post Office and Royal Mail and I am keen that the committee should get the best possible picture of these. I shall be making a submission to the committee and I shall be encouraging as many other local people and groups as possible to do likewise.

“The Government’s recent disastrous ‘Network Change Programme’’ resulted in Orkney and Shetland losing a number of Post Offices. It showed, however, people care a great deal about our local Post Office network and I would encourage them to consider submitting evidence to the inquiry.

“The Committee has already said it will be looking at the Post Office as a whole and will not be revisiting the network change program. However, the committee are keen to hear people’s views on a number of matters affecting local communities, including – ‘What services should be provided through the post office network and why are they so important to you? and ‘What are the unique financial and social benefits that the post office network gives you?’

“The Committee recently announced they have extended the deadline for written evidence for the Post Office inquiry to 10 March 2009. More information can be found at -www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/berr.cfm”