Post Office could hand ownership to employees amid review into its future
It marks the first comprehensive review of the postal service in 15 years, giving customers and postmasters the opportunity to have a say in how it is run, according to the DBT.
This includes the Post Office's ownership model, as the Government considers mutualisation, which could mean handing ownership of the company to thousands of its subpostmasters.
Furthermore, ministers announced plans to award a new subsidy package worth £118 million to fund a transformation plan and further investment that could improve its services.
Post Office minister Gareth Thomas said: 'Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country.
'However, after 15 years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it's clear we need a fresh vision for its future.
'This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.'
Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office's chief executive, said: 'We now have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to have a national conversation about the future of our post offices and their role in supporting communities across the UK.
'This Government consultation is a vital part of shaping what the future of Post Office could, and should, look like.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
20 minutes ago
- Metro
Post Office systems down after outage hits branches
An outage has taken down Post Office systems, including branches across the UK. People trying to send out parcels today might run into trouble after reports of a glitch affecting the Post Office this afternoon. Outage reports for the Post Office shot up shortly before 3pm, according to DownDetector's tracker. Most of the problems were about a 'total blackout,' while others indicated there was a problem with the internet connection. Post Office said: 'We're aware of an outage impacting our branches. The issue is being worked on and things should be back to normal later this afternoon. Thanks for your patience.' It is not known yet what has caused the outage. More Trending It comes after a spate of high-profile cyber incidents affecting the M&S and Co-op. M&S online orders were back in action six weeks after the cyber attack in April, which cost the company £300 million. Metro approached the Post Office for a comment. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: 'Anything to make Trump's ego grow', reader's discuss the US President and the Nobel Peace Prize MORE: At least 13 people driven to suicide by the Post Office Horizon scandal, inquiry finds
South Wales Argus
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Government lifts ban on developing land reserved for bridge project axed in 2008
Transport minister Simon Lightwood described the safeguarding direction in relation to the axed Thames Gateway Bridge scheme in east London as an 'obstacle to much-needed development'. The bridge would have connected Newham to Greenwich, but was scrapped by then-London mayor Boris Johnson in 2008, who said the capital should focus on 'projects that deliver real benefits for Londoners'. Safeguarding is used to stop land from being developed in a way that would conflict with future schemes. In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Lightwood wrote that the safeguarding direction for the Thames Gateway Bridge dated back to 1940, when 'the area's transport needs were very different'. He went on: 'Since then, London's transport priorities have evolved, and over the decades we have seen major investments in London's river crossings – most notably the Dartford Crossing, and recently, the Silvertown Tunnel. 'The safeguarding directions therefore no longer align with the direction of transport policy or the evolving needs of this part of London. 'The continued safeguarding of this land has been an obstacle to much-needed development, and I am therefore lifting these directions. 'The Government is keen to deliver new homes and unlock economic opportunity, and we are taking steps to remove unnecessary barriers to progress.'
Scottish Sun
20 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Parents are getting £75 per child in free cash and Asda vouchers this week – are you eligible?
Plus, other help you can receive if you're on a low income HELPING HAND Parents are getting £75 per child in free cash and Asda vouchers this week – are you eligible? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of households will soon be able to get their hands on £75 in cash or Asda vouchers to help with the cost of living. The help comes as part of the Government's Household Support Fund, and aims to aid those who are most vulnerable. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Customers without bank accounts will receive Asda vouchers over the coming weeks Credit: Getty The scheme has been extended a number of times, with the latest round of payments running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Thousands of households in Walsall will soon be able to benefit from the scheme, after the local council was allocated a chunk of the fund. In a statement posted on Facebook, the council stated: "This week (week commencing 15 July 2025) we will make a one-off direct payment of £75 per child to families in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. "Families will not need to apply for these payments. "This is to support families over the holiday period. There are a small number of customers without bank accounts who will receive Asda Vouchers over the coming weeks. "Where we do not hold bank details, payments will be posted to Council Tax accounts where customers can then request a refund." What if I don't live in Walsall? The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in Walsall but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. Disability benefit explained - what you can claim This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels. Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to their HSF as well. You might be able to find it by typing in the name of your council then "Household Support Fund" into Google search. You may have to apply for help through the HSF or you may be contacted directly by your council. Some local authorities send letters to your home to let you know about next steps you need to take. Other help if you're on a low income It's worth checking if you're eligible for benefits if you haven't already - it could boost your bank balance by thousands of pounds a year. If you're struggling with the cost of food, check where your nearest food bank is, to help you get cupboard staples for less. The Trussell Trust has hundreds of food banks across the UK, and you can find your nearest one here - Meanwhile, if you have fallen behind on your energy bills, you might be able to get a grant to wipe any debt. British Gas and Octopus Energy, the UK's two biggest energy firms, both run schemes offering customers grants worth up to £2,000. You might be able to apply for a free grant through a local charity as well. Charity Turn2Us has a free-to-use grants search tool on its website which you can find here -
