The NFSP report, Six Steps to a Sustainable Post Office Network was launched at a House of Commons reception hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for post offices in March 2009.

The report sets out our calls for action in six key areas to deliver a sustainable furture for the network:

1. Central government services
2. Devolved and local government
3. Banking and financial services
4. Mail
5. Network size and support
6. Local retail

Widely distributed
The report has been issued to all subpostmasters, MPs, members of the House of Lords and representatives in the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London. Leading charities, campaigning groups, and local council leaders and chief executives have also been issued with copies.

Government work
NFSP General Secretary George Thomson has written to all government departments to ask them what work they currently provide through post offices, and to urge them to identify new areas of work which their department can put through the Post Office.

Take action
We are also asking members to take action by contacting their local councillor to ask them what the council is doing to provide support for subpostmasters and put work through local post offices, and to encourage them to actively look for more opportunities to do more.

Future campaigning
The Six Steps report will form the basis of our campaigning throughout the year. Details of regional NFSP events are being finalised. We’re also encouraging members and their customers to campaign on the report’s other major themes, including the need for the government to back a British Postbank at the Post Office.