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17/11/2008
POCA - Further News and Thanks
Following the Government's announcement on Thursday 13 November that it was cancelling the tender process and would award the contract for the successor to the Post office card account (POCA) to the Post Office, the NFSP would like to thank the many individuals involved in securing this vital campaign victory. Without the contribution of thousands of NFSP members and millions of Post Office customers, it is highly unlikely that this result would have been secured.
Folowing his statement to the House of Commons, Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell received repeated tributes from MPs of all parties on the vital work carried out by subpostmasters in constituencies across the UK, as well as praise for the campaigning efforts of the NFSP, its members and their customers. In response to one question from Michael Moore MP, the Minister said:
"the hon. Gentleman is right to say that we should recognise the work that subpostmasters and subpostmistresses do. I am sure that he will join me in congratulating George Thomson on the work that he has done as General Secretary of the National Federation of SubPostmasters, along with all of his members."
The minister's full statement to the House of Commons on the Government's decision on POCA can be read or viewed (starts at 1:55) here.
National press coverage of the decision included the following stories in the Guardian, Telegraph, Mail, Mirror, Express and Times, as well as an interview with NFSP General Secretary George Thomson with the Press Association.
Several regional and local newspapers have also run stories on local POCA campaigning and what the decision means for post offices in their area, including publications in Yorkshire, Glasgow, Blackpool, Lowestoft, Swansea, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Tayside, Derby, Bolton and Stoke-on-Trent.
13/11/2008
Government Announcement on POCA
The NFSP has issued a press statement in response to today's Government announcement that it will award the contract for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA) exclusively to the Post Office. The contract will run from 2010 to 2015, with the possibility of further extension.
Read the statement from the Department for Work and Pensions on the decision; and watch news coverage of the decision on BBC News and ITV News, including interviews with NFSP General Secretary George Thomson. The announcement has also been welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses, Age Concern, Citizens Advice and Help The Aged, as well as the new consumer body Consumer Focus.
The decision from ministers follows substantial concern expressed by the public and in parliament on the threat to the POCA. Over three million Post Office customers sent POCA campaign postcards to their MPs; while 265 Members of Parliament signed EDM 1506, calling for the contract to be awarded to the Post Office.
Earlier this week, MPs from all parties called on the Government to ensure the contract was retained by the Post Office during an Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons tabled by the Liberal Democrats. Watch the debate (starts at 4:56) as it took place or read the transcript. Yesterday, Dr Lynne Jones MP (Labour) and James Arbuthnot MP (Conservative) both called on Gordon Brown to announce the POCA decision without further delay during Prime Ministers' Questions. Read the transcript or watch PMQs.
10/11/2008
New Report on POCA Welcomed
The NFSP has welcomed the publication today of a new report by the House of Commons Business & Enterprise Committee on the Post Office card account (POCA). Read the report here.
The cross-party committee of MPs urges ministers to take "fully into account" the needs of POCA customers, Government expenditure and the community as a whole when deciding on the tender for the new POCA. The MPs highlight the need for any successful tender to ensure reliable access to cash for POCA customers.
They also recommend that the Post Office's wide geographical spread should "provide a baseline against which any tenders should be measured" to ensure that all POCA customers have access to finance, and that meeting "the basic financial needs of customers" should be paramount.
The Committee also states that it is "disturbed" that the Government has allowed the delay in an announcement on POCA, which it points out "is destabilising for the post office network".
The NFSP has commented on the report in a number of media interviews today. Watch NFSP General Secretary George Thomson's interview on BBC Breakfast here.
Over the weekend, the Conservatives have declared that the Government must award the POCA contract to the Post Office. In an article in the Daily Telegraph, Shadow Business and Enterprise Secretary Alan Duncan MP warns that the POCA "is the lifeline keeping what is left of our post office network alive." Read the Daily Telegraph article here.
This follows last week's press release from the Liberal Democrats stating that "a decision to award the POCA contract to anyone other than the Post Office will mark a dereliction of duty" by the Department for Work and Pensions. Read the Liberal Democrats press release here.
Today, the Local Government Association issued a strongly worded press release warning that if the Government fails to award the POCA contract to the Post Office, it will "rip the heart out of local areas". Read the Local Government Association press release here.
We must continue to keep the POCA campaign high profile and retain the pressure on MPs. New campaign posters have been sent to every post office. Display these and issue the model press release to local media. Further campaign details and the model press release are available on the News to Branches page within the members only section of this website.
07/11/2008
POCA Poster Campaign Update
The NFSP has issued a press release on the latest stage in its campaign to secure the contract for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA).
Every post office in the UK has today received further POCA campaign posters, urging Post Office customers to lobby their MP on the importance of Post Office Ltd retaining the POCA contract.
NFSP members can request further copies of the posters from NFSP Headquarters. A model press release, to issue to local media to support the campaign, is available together with further campaign information on the News to Branches pages within the members only section of this website.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Rural Communities has issued a statement highlighting its concerns on the impact on rural areas of the loss of the POCA; while Labour MP John McFall, the Chair of the influential House of Commons Treasury Committee, has today warned that up to 6,000 post offices face closure if the POCA contract is lost.
03/11/2008
Further Media Coverage on POCA
NFSP General Secretary George Thomson was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme this morning. Discussing the tender for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA), George set out the reasons why the Government could and should award the contract to the Post Office.
Listen to the interview here.
The fate of the POCA, and the likely impact of the Government's decision on the post office network, was also covered in several Sunday newspapers and again today in The Times.
Read the article in The Observer here.
Read the article in The Mail on Sunday here.
Read the article in the Sunday Telegraph here.
Read the article in Scotland on Sunday here.
Read the article in The Times here.
The extensive media interest in the POCA in recent weeks has been mirrored by activity in the House of Commons. During monthly questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland last week, senior MPs from the Labour Party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats all raised questions on the POCA with Ministers. The transcript for the debate can be viewed here. The SNP's press release on the subject can be viewed here.
The POCA was also raised at weekly questions to the Leader of the House of Commons, with one Labour MP highlighting the volume of POCA campaign postcards he had received and calling on Ministers to make a statement about when the contract would be awarded. View the transcript here.
28/10/2008
George Thomson's Letter to the Prime Minister
Despite initial claims that the result of the Post Office card account tender would be announced over the summer the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has yet to declare the winner of the contract for the successor product.
In response to these repeated delays, NFSP General Secretary George Thomson has again written to the Prime Minister and the Secretaries of State for Work & Pensions and Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, making it clear that the delay in making the announcement is fuelling uncertainty and concern amongst subpostmasters that is inevitably damaging to the post office network.
The letter also reaffirms the fact that it is vital for the survival of the post office network that the contract remains with Post Office Ltd (POL) and that if the contract is lost the country will face 3,000 un-managed post office closures in addition to the 2,500 lost during Network Change.
Read George's letter here.
Read today's Guardian article about the letter here.
Read today's Financial Times article about the letter here.
Read today's Daily Telegraph article about the letter here.
Read today's Mirror article about the letter here.
27/10/2008
Royal Mail's Half Year Trading Statement
Royal Mail has released its half year trading statement. The portion of the report dedicated to the post office network emphasises the need for Post Office Ltd. to win the competitive tender for the Post Office card account (POCA) describing the contract as being of "critical importance" and "central to the future of the branch network".
The NFSP's General Secretary, George Thomson has echoed this sentiment stating: "We would strongly support the point made today by Royal Mail that it is crucial for Post Office Ltd. to win the contract to run the successor to the current Post Office card account.
"Without the POCA, used by more than four million people a year, the future viability of the network will be in serious doubt, with the real possibility that as many as 3,000 more post offices could close."
Read Royal Mail's press release concerning the report here.
Read the Daily Telegraph's article on the trading statement here.
06/10/2008
NFSP Press Release on POCA Decision.
The NFSP has issued a press release on the eve of a decision by ministers on who has won the tender to run the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA). View the latest NFSP press release here.
Articles discussing the importance of the Post Office card account to the future of the Post Office network have been published in today's Daily Telegraph and yesterday's Observer.
Read the Observer article here and the Telegraph article here.
The NFSP has been campaigning extensively to ensure that the card account remains a Post Office product. If the account is lost the NFSP predicts that there will be 3,000 un-managed closures, following the 2,500 managed closures carried out under Network Change. This would leave significant gaps in the national network of post offices and ensure that Post Office Ltd. would lose the critical mass required to successfully bid for future contracts.
Even after Network Change is completed at the end of the year, the post office network will remain larger than all of the major bank and building society networks combined. It currently serves 24 million customers a week across the UK. Many card account customers do not have bank accounts for a variety of reasons - from poor credit history to a distrust of banks; for many, there is not a bank branch near where they live, while many others simply prefer to carry out their business at the Post Office.
Given its unrivalled geographical reach, its status as a trusted brand, and its ability to provide a seamless transition from the card account to its successor it is clear that the Post Office is best placed to continue to provide this service.
Details of the NFSP's campaign can be found on the POCA campaign page.
03/10/2008
Post Offices and Local Authorities
NFSP Executive Officer for North Thames and East Anglia Jim Nott has been interviewed by the BBC Politics Show East on his views on the role of local authorities in providing Post Office services. Read the interview.
25/09/2008
Postwatch ceases operations on October 1
The consumer watchdog for postal services, Postwatch is set to cease operations on October 1 (though a small contingent of staff will remain until the end of the Network Change programme).
From October 1 the role of Poswatch will be fulfilled by the new organisation, Consumer Focus, an amalgamation of the National Consumer Council, Energywatch and Postwatch.
The NFSP hopes that Postwatch's amalgamation into Consumer Focus with its considerably broader remit will not weaken its focus on the postal sector, and that post offices will remain a top priority for the new organisation.
Postwatch has issued a valedictorian letter to the minister responsible for the postal industry, Pat McFadden which can be viewed here.
The newly launched Consumer Focus website can be found here.
16/09/2008
Post Office card account campaign
The winner of the competitive tender for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA) contract has yet to be announced.
As such it is vital that the NFSP's campaign continues to put pressure on the Government to make the right decision and award the contract to Post Office Ltd. The best way for subpostmasters to help achieve this is through the NFSP's postcard campaign. The postcards call on MPs to write to the Prime Minister and sign EDM 1506 in support of maintaining the card account's status as a Post Office product.
Parliament is set to return from summer recess on October 6 so a renewed influx of postcards to MPs will help to ensure that they are aware of the importance of the card account to the future of the post office network.
For more information on the campaign and acquiring more postcards please see the POCA Campaign page.
29/08/2008
NFSP Forum
The NFSP Forum offers NFSP members the opportunity to share advice and ideas online, with new members signing up every day.
The main feature in the September issue of The Subpostmaster is dedicated to the forum, offering hints on how to get the most from the forum and examples of the kind of conversations already taking place there.
The NFSP has also launched a promotion to further encourage membership - The 500th member will be awarded £50 in vouchers (terms and conditions are available in the 'News to Branches' section of the website).
28/08/2008
Irish Benefit at Post Offices
The Irish government has announced its intention to cease making unemployment benefit payments directly into bank accounts, instead requiring claimants to sign on and collect benefits at post offices on a weekly basis.
The decision has been made in an attempt to curb fraud by foreign and Irish workers who have left Ireland for jobs abroad but continue to claim benefit in Ireland.
Read the Department of Social and Family Affairs press release
27/08/2008
New Economics Foundation Report
Economic think tank, the New Economics Foundation has issued a briefing entitled ‘Keeping Britain Posted’ in which it examines the role the post office network has to play in combating financial exclusion.
The report addresses the vital role that the Post Office card account plays in encouraging financial inclusion and states that it is vital the Post Office win the tender for its successor product.
Beyond this, the report calls for the functionality of the card account to be greatly increased - arguing that it should “closely resemble a current account”.
The report also offers international case studies of how Postbanking has worked abroad.
Read the report here
23/07/2008
Benevolent Fund Update
The NFSP Benevolent Fund is an independent charity funded mainly by investment income and donations from members.
The Fund makes a wide variety of grants ranging from those which made improvements to the mobility of individuals such as assisting with the purchase of a stair lift, mobility scooter and electric wheelchair to enhancing individuals day-to-day living conditions by contributing to new heating systems and the installation of windows.
Commenting on the donations received to date in 2008 Michael Darvill, Benevolent Fund Chair said: “I extend my thanks to all those individuals and Branches who have made contributions to the Fund. In particular I was delighted by the generosity of Branches and members during Conference. Our fundraising efforts, for the Fund and Help the Hospices, were a great success. Members’ support ensures that the Fund is able to continue providing much needed assistance to our colleagues and their families in times of personal need. If you know anyone who may benefit from the Benevolent Fund’s support please do get in touch.”
The Fund received donations totaling £10,703.95 in the period from January 1 to June 30 2008 as follows:
Branch Total: £2,778.45
Ayrshire - £44.00
Bicester & Oxford - £100.00
Dundee & District - £326.21
Exeter - £250.00
Kings Lynn & North Norfolk - £37.00
Lands End & Mid Cornwall - £250.00
North East Wales - £1000.00
North East Regional Council - £333.50
Northern Ireland - £137.74
Nottinghamshire - £300
Individual serving and retired subpostmasters: £1,105.50
Branch Donations at Conference Total: £5,740.00
Aberdeen - £500.00
Bicester & Oxford - £250.00
Birmingham - £225.00
Colchester & Chelmsford - £200.00
Derby - £750.00
Doncaster - £750.00
Liverpool - £1,000.00
North Thames & East Anglia Regional Council - £215.00
Peterborough & Boston - £250.00
Plymouth - £250.00
Sheffield Amalgamated - £250.00
South of Scotland - £1,000.00
Taunton - £100.00
Individual donations collected at Conference Gala Dinner: £1,080.00
To contribute or find out more about eligibility for a grant please contact NFSP Headquarters on 01273 452 324.
21/07/2008
NFSP Communications Officer
The National Federation of SubPostmasters is recruiting a Communications Officer. For further information, click to download the following (in pdf format) -
Candidates should submit a CV and covering letter, detailing their skills and experience in relation to the requirements of the person specification and job description. References will not be taken up until after interview.
Completed applications should be sent by e-mail to admin@nfsp.org.uk or by post to: NFSP, Evelyn House, 22 Windlesham Gardens, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5AZ
The closing date for applications to this post is 10am on Wednesday 13 August 2008. Interviews will be held at NFSP Headquarters in Shoreham-by-Sea, near Brighton, on Wednesday 20 August 2008.
18/07/2008
Subpostmaster 2008
This year’s FREE Subpostmaster 2008 Exhibition will be held in the National Hall, Olympia, London on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.
The UK’s only dedicated event for convenience, news and post office retailers you’ll find lots of great ideas for developing your retail business.
Registration is FREE. Call 0845 218 6055 or register online at www.subpostmastershow.co.uk
Read more about Subpostmaster 2008.
03/07/2008
The Subpostmaster Reader Survey
Following the introduction of the new style Subpostmaster magazine the NFSP is keen to ensure that the magazine continues to meet the needs of members.
We value the views of our members, and ask that members either complete the survey distributed with the July edition of The Subpostmaster or the online version available in the members-only section of the website.
View the member surveys webpage to complete The Subpostmaster Reader Survey 2008.
03/07/2008
Quick guide to using the NFSP forum
The NFSP is pleased to report that following the launch of the forum at the beginning of June 2008, over 130 members have registered.
A quick guide to using the forum has been produced to help members get started on the forum. It is hoped that this will encourage more members to use the forum to share views and debate issues with colleagues.
View the guide and more information on the forum on the forum webpage.
01/07/2008
Postwatch Counters Advisory Group - POCA Letter to DWP
The NFSP is among 17 national organisations which have jointly written to the Government to warn of the consequences for the post office network if Ministers choose to award the contract for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA) to a competitor.
Members of the Counters Advisory Group, chaired by Postwatch, have written to Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell MP setting out their concerns on POCA. The group states that -
- The contract for the POCA successor should be awarded to Post Office Ltd (POL).
- Customers who want to collect their pensions and benefits from their post office should continue to be free to do so.
- Failure to award the contract to POL would have a significant impact on the number of post offices remaining in the network.
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) must not issue further misleading information to customers on their current future payment options; but instead make clear all available options, including POCA.
Click here to view the letter in full.
NFSP members should view the POCA Campaign page to see how they can take action to support the campaign.
02/06/2008
Select Committee Report Published
The NFSP has welcomed today's publication of the report by the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee on Network Change.
The report concludes that it is vital that the Post Office win the contract for the successor to the Post Office Card Account (POCA2) and that the Independent Review of Mail Services and Postcomm must take full account of the effects of reform to mail services on the post office network.
It also calls for a renewed commitment by the Post Office that it will not allow the network to shrink below the 11,500 outlets that will remain after the Network Change Programme has been completed.
View the full NSP press release on the report. View the Business and Enterprise Committee's report.
30/05/2008
NFSP Forum
The NFSP is pleased to announce the launch of a forum for members to communicate with each other.
NFSP members are encouraged to use the forum to share views and discuss current issues with one another. The launch of the site is the culmination of a Motion carried at Annual Conference 2007 by the Leicester Branch and Midland Regional Council.
In addition to general forums for members to share problems, discuss current hot topics, and help and advise colleagues, dedicated regional forums have been created. It is hoped that this will provide a useful place for the discussion of local issues and allow members in those areas to share information specific to them and publicise their meetings and events.
NFSP members can read more about how to register on the NFSP forum web page.
28/05/2008
Post Office card account campaign
The NFSP is taking action to secure the contract for the Post Office and a future for the post office network.
The Post Office card account (POCA) is under threat. The Government is currently deciding which company will operate the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA2) from 2010. Although Post Office Ltd (POL) has made a strong bid, it is far from certain that it will win the contract.
If the Government does not award the contract to POL, the post office network will go into further decline. The NFSP estimates that the loss of POCA income and associated footfall will force 3,000 more post offices to close. This decision will have an impact on all post offices – if POL does not need to pay out £27 billion in cash each year through POCA, it will not need to raise large amounts of cash through other services, and the entire business model will unravel.
The NFSP has supplied subpostmasters across the UK with posters to display in their offices; postcards for customers to complete for return to local MPs; and guidance on how to contact their local MP and newspaper Editor.
By ensuring subpostmasters’ voices – and those of post office customers – are heard in the press, in Parliament and within Government the NFSP hopes to ensure that POCA2 is secured for POL, as a building block towards a sustainable future for the entire post office network.
Read more on the POCA Campaign page.
23/05/2008
Independent Review of UK Postal Services
The NFSP has published its second submission to the independent review on UK postal services.
In the submission, the NFSP argues that Royal Mail is heavily over-regulated by the postal services regulator Postcomm. As a result, the Universal Service Obligation (USO) is now loss-making for the first time and its future under threat. The USO, which guarantees postal collections and delivieries each working day for every address in the UK at a uniform price, makes a vital contribution to the social cohesion of the country. To safeguard its future, Royal Mail must be allowed to compete on a level-playing field with other mails operators, which requires urgent and substantial changes to the regulatory framework. The NFSP also makes clear that under current circumstances, it would be disastrous for Post Office Ltd to be removed from Royal Mail Group.
The review was launched by the Government in December 2007. The NFSP published its first submission to the review in March, and the review panel published its initial response to evidence received so far on 6 May 2008. The review panel will report its full recommendations later this year.
16/05/2008
Annual Conference 2008
Subpostmasters from across the UK attended the NFSP Annual Conference at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay on 12, 13, and 14 May 2008.
Annual Conference is the focal point of the year for subpostmasters, offering delegates the opportunity to debate a full range of issues affecting the post office network and subpostmasters' businesses.
Delegates were addressed by Pat McFadden MP, Minister of State, Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; Alan Cook CBE, Managing Director, Post Office Ltd; and Olympic Silver Medallist Kriss Akabusi.
Post Office Minister Pat McFadden came under intense pressure to prevent a “catastrophic decline”' in the network by awarding Post Office Ltd the contract for the new Post Office card account (POCA2). Mr McFaddden told Conference delegates that while the Post Office was in a strong position to win he contract, he was unable to announce a decision. Instead, the decision would be taken by the DWP and announced later this year.
Mervyn Jones was elected NFSP National President. Upon taking up the role, he told Conference: “I will go where ever I can and I will listen to everyone to further the interests of subpostmasters. I will do everything I can to create a viable and sustainable post office network.” Three Executive Officers take up their positions on the Executive Council: Andrew Craddock and Jim Nott for the North Thames and East Anglia region, and Paul Haines for the North East region.
The Conference Exhibition area offered delegates an opportunity to discuss issues with Post Office Ltd representatives, and meet with exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products and services suitable for their retail businesses.
NFSP members should contact their Branch Secretary for further information on Conference.
Read the full Conference press release.
16/05/2008
Post Office Card Account
The NFSP has announced that 3,000 more post offices will be forced to close if the Government fails to award the contract for the successor to the Post Office card account (POCA) to the Post Office.
Used by 4 million people to withdraw their pensions and benefits at the Post Office, POCA is responsible for up to 12% of subpostmasters’ income. The Government will soon announce its decision on the contract for a successor product, to be introduced next year.
NFSP members will receive further information in the coming weeks on campaign actions which they can take to help ensure the POCA2 contract is awarded to the Post Office. This will be made available on the NFSP website and mailed to all post offices.
View the full NFSP press release.
09/05/2008
Royal Mail Group Financial Results 2007/2008
Royal Mail Group has announced its financial results for 2007/2008, with losses made in several parts of the group.
• Post Office Limited recorded an overall loss of £34million - without the £150million Social Network Payment from the government to support the uncommercial parts of the network this loss would have been £184million.
• Royal Mail Letters recorded a loss of £3million.
• The Universal Service made an estimated loss - for the first time - of around £100million with the overall price controlled area of Royal Mail’s business making a loss of around £200million.
The NFSP believes that the losses to the letters business are primarily the product of the introduction of competition to the UK postal market. This has created a situation in which private companies are able to 'cherry-pick' the profitable sectors of the market which had previously subsidised the loss-making portions of Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligation.
Royal Mail is also competing on an uneven playing field with rival European postal services due to the government’s decision to liberalise UK markets ahead of the European deadline. This allows other national operators such as the Netherlands, TNT and Germany’s Deutsche Post, under the DHL brand to compete with Royal Mail in the UK while Royal Mail is prevented from competing in those countries’ markets.
22/04/2008
Pay 2008-09
The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) has agreed this year's pay deal for subpostmasters with Post Office Ltd. Agreed at an earlier stage in the year than ever before, the remuneration changes will take effect with subpostmasters' April 2008 pay.
Subpostmasters will shortly receive a letter from NFSP General Secretary George Thomson and Post Office Ltd Managing Director Alan Cook, detailing the new arrangements.
The NFSP has issued a Branch Secretaries' Circular today, giving some initial information on the new remuneration arrangements. NFSP members can access this on the News To Branches page within the members-only section of the website.
We understand that Post Office Ltd will then issue a pack containing full details on the new arrangements to all subpostmasters in due course. Members will also be able to download these from the "Pay" section of the NFSP website as soon as they become available.
The forthcoming May edition of The Subpostmaster will also provide further information to members on the pay deal.
If members have any enquiries regarding the forthcoming changes to their remuneration, they should contact POL's HR Service Centre or their NFSP Executive Officer in the first instance.
04/04/2008
Independent Review of UK Postal Services
The NFSP has published its first response to the independent review of UK postal services.
As requested by the panel leading the review on behalf of the Government, our first response looks at the impact of competition in the UK postal market since its introduction in 2006, and likely future trends in UK postal services. The NFSP's response the second part of the review - which focuses on the Universal Service Obligation - will be published next month.
Click here to read the Government's announcement on the independent review from 17 December 2007.
26/03/2008
NFSP welcomes outcome of House of Commons debate
The NFSP welcomes the outcome of the opposition day debate on the Post Office closures on March 19 2008. The vote was lost by 268 votes to 288 and was preceded by lengthy and heated debate which underscored the opposition many MPs feel towards post office closures.
The NFSP demonstrated its influence over the debate by informing and shaping discussion on Post Offices both in parliament and in the media.
The NFSP’s briefing to MPs had a clear impact on both the debate and the preceding Prime Minister’s Questions. The NFSP’s related statement on the Network Change programme was repeatedly referred to and quoted by MPs throughout the five hour debate. Earlier in the day Gordon Brown quoted NFSP General Secretary George Thomson during Prime Minister’s Questions.
George Thomson was interviewed by Sky News, ITN, GMTV, BBC Radio 5 Live, and several local newspapers. The Press Association ran the NFSP’s press release and it was picked up by numerous national newspapers.
Read the full NFSP statement on the Latest Press Releases page. Click here to download BBC Radio Scotland's Riddoch Questions, on which George Thomson discussed post office closures.
18/03/2008
NFSP Statement on House of Commons Debate on Post Office Closures
NFSP General Secretary George Thomson has issued a statement ahead of Wednesday's debate and vote in the House of Commons on the Conservatives' motion to suspend the Post Office Network Change programme.
Go to the Latest Press Releases page to view the press statement in full.
Members of Parliament who require NFSP briefing information ahead of the debate should contact NFSP Headquarters.
13/03/2008
Subpostmaster Exhibition 2008
This year’s FREE Subpostmaster 2008 Exhibition will be held at the Olympia London on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.
Run alongside CTN World 2008, visitors can expect close to 200 exhibition stands, all of interest to subpostmasters and independent retailers serious about improving their businesses.
Read more about Subpostmaster 2008.
08/02/2008
Business and Enterprise Committee Report on Network Change Programme
The NFSP has welcomed today's publication of a report by the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee on Network Change, which offers broad support for the programme of post office closures. The NFSP has also urged MPs to now turn their attention to delivering new work into post offices to provide the remaining network with a sustainable future.
The NFSP submitted written evidence to the Committee's inquiry and last week General Secretary George Thomson and Negotiating Committee Chair Sally Reeves gave evidence before MPs at a hearing in the House of Commons. Scroll down the "Latest News" section for more information on this, and links to the video and transcript of their evidence.
Click here to view the Committee's report published today. Click here to view the full NFSP press statement on the report.
05/02/2008
Taxation of Network Change Compensation
HM Revenue and Customs has issued a statement on its view on how compensation payments under Network Change will be treated for tax purposes, and how they should be reported. The first £30,000 of the compensation payment for loss of office is exempt from income tax. It is important to note that the £30,000 exemption applies to the individual subpostmaster not to each office closed. If the compensation payment exceeds £30,000 it is taxable as employment income, whether or not PAYE is applied. National Insurance contributions are not due. Post Office Ltd may, or may not, deduct tax under PAYE when the compensation payment is made. It depends on the circumstances.
If compensation is paid with or before the final payment of POL remuneration, tax will be deducted using the usual code if a subpostmaster’s ordinary PO remuneration is taxed under PAYE. Alternatively if you normally account for tax on your PO remuneration by completing a Self Assessment return you should disclose the compensation payment separately and include details of any tax deducted.
Where compensation is paid after the final payment of PO remuneration, tax will be deducted under PAYE at the basic rate. When the tax year has ended subpostmasters may find further tax is payable or a refund is due. In either case a Self Assessment return should be completed.
Members can read the full HM Revenue & Customs statement here.
For further advice, members can ring Philip Bloor, Finance Manager, at NFSP Headquarters on 01273 452324.
04/02/2008
NFSP Membership Benefits
The National Federation of SubPostmasters supports subpostmasters across the UK.
NFSP membership offers numerous benefits. The NFSP is here to represent members views, including negotiating on pay, and terms and conditions; provide an information network which includes a national network of branches and The Subpostmaster; support your business including exclusive deals and regular updates on new retail opportunities, a free yearly retail exhibition and advice line; and help in difficult times through our trauma counselling service.
Keith Richards, Chair of the Publicity and Development Committee explains why he feels NFSP membership is so important: “We can provide support for all aspects of running a successful post office and retail business. There is no escaping that we are facing a challenging year ahead, but with existing members pulling together, and new members joining we have a far greater chance of successfully lobbying the government, sustaining the network of post offices, and continuing to provide vital services to customers everyday.”
Joining is easy. Just complete and return an application form which you can download from the Join Us page.
Alternatively for more information about NFSP membership contact the Membership Officer in your region.
30/01/2008
House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee Hearing
NFSP representatives yesterday gave evidence to the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee's inquiry on Post Office Ltd's Network Change Programme.
General Secretary George Thomson and Negotiating Committee Chair Sally Reeves appeared before the influential cross-party committee of MPs to give the NFSP's view on the early experiences of the programme to close 2,500 post offices across the UK.
Issues raised by MPs included information received and problems experienced by subpostmasters during the programme so far; outreach services; public consultation on proposed post office closures; the role of local authorities; grants for subpostmasters; the future of the post office network after Network Change and the consequences if the Government fails to award to Post Office Ltd the contract for the successor to the Post Office card account, which is currently out to tender.
The NFSP evidence session was followed by the consumer body Postwatch. Post Office Ltd and the postal services Minister Pat McFadden MP will give evidence to the Committee next week. The Committee will then publish a report with its findings and recommendations on the Network Change programme.
Click here to watch the NFSP evidence session. Click here to read the Committee's press notice on the Network Change inquiry. Click here to read the uncorrected transcript of the hearing from the Committee website.
29/01/2008
Benevolent Fund Update
The NFSP Benevolent Fund is an independent charity funded mainly by investment income and donations from members. The Fund provides a vital role in assisting eligible current and past subpostmasters and their families in times of personal need.
Michael Darvill Benevolent Fund Chair said: “We offer a variety of help and I encourage individuals who are experiencing difficulties to get in touch to discuss whether we can assist them. For example our counselling service is available to all members and can be an enormous support in difficult times.”
In 2007 a wide range of grants were made ranging from those which made improvements to the mobility of individuals such as assisting with the purchase of a stair lift, mobility scooter and electric wheelchair to enhancing individuals day-to-day living conditions by contributing to new heating systems and the installation of windows.
Contributions to the Fund are also welcomed. Donations totaling £1,348.04 were received from branches and individuals for the period 1 July to 31 December 2007 as follows:
Bicester & Oxford - £300.00
Dundee & District - £190.68
Kings Lynn & North Norfolk - £55.00
London North - £25.00
London South East - £182.50
Northern Ireland - £128.98
Scottish Northern - £17.00
Branch total: £899.16
Individual serving and retired subpostmasters: £448.88
If you would like to contribute or find out more about eligibility for a grant please contact NFSP Headquarters on 01273 452 324.
10/01/2008
New look for The Subpostmaster
The NFSP is delighted to begin 2008 with the launch of the new look Subpostmaster magazine. The magazine sees a move to an A4 format, a fresh new design and greater emphasis on the experiences of NFSP members.
Welcoming the change NFSP General Secretary George Thomson said “It has been a long held aspiration of the Executive Council to change the design of The Subpostmaster and I am pleased that we have achieved this. The Subpostmaster will continue to bring our members the latest issues regarding their post offices and retail information which is of great importance to the majority of members.”
Send your feedback on the new format Subpostmaster to thesubpostmaster@nfsp.org.uk
03/01/2008
Review of Competitive Postal Market
The UK postal services market has now been open to competition for two years.
Shortly before Christmas, the Government announced a review of the postal services market. In a statement to parliament on 17 December 2007, the Business & Enterprise Secretary John Hutton MP announced that the review will be led by an independent panel and will report in summer 2008.
The review will assess the impact of liberalisation to date on the Royal Mail, alternative carriers and consumers, and future trends in the UK postal services market. It also aims to consider how to maintain the Universal Service within the competitive market.
The NFSP welcomes the opportunity which this initiative provides to take a thorough look at the impacts of competition on the mails market and on the post office network, and will submit a full response to the review in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Government announced last month its decision to postpone the introduction of full postal competition in the Netherlands, which had been scheduled to start on 1 January 2008. By the end of 2007, the UK, Finland and Sweden remained the only three of the 27 EU Member States to have introduced full competition in their postal services markets.
Click here to view John Hutton's statement to parliament on the forthcoming postal services market review.
Click here to view the press release from Postcomm, the postal services regulator, on the second anniversary of the liberalisation of the UK postal market.
03/01/2008
Stamp Price Increases
Royal Mail has announced that stamp prices will increase from Monday April 7. From that date the cost of a First Class stamp for a standard letter weighing up to 100g will rise 2p to 36p, while a Second Class stamp for the same letter will rise 3p from 24p to 27p. The increases are in line with the price control which the regulator Postcomm set for Royal Mail in 2006.
The NFSP believes that the increase in stamp prices is an inevitable consequence of the Government’s introduction of the competitive postal services market, which has seen Royal Mail lose business contracts to rivals. Traditionally, profits from business mail have subsidised the loss-making “social mail.”
Royal Mail points out that even after the price increases take effect, stamped mail will continue to be loss making, while stamps in the UK will remain among the lowest priced in Europe.
Thanks to the NFSP’s efforts during last year’s pay negotiations, this year subpostmasters will retain the percentage of pay they earn from stamp sales following the price increases for the first time ever, and will therefore share in the increased profit generated. Historically, subpostmasters' remuneration rates for stamp sales have been adjusted downwards when postage rates have increased.
Click here to view the announcement from Royal Mail. Click here to view further information on Postcomm's price control for Royal Mail.
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