Reduction in local post office services under fire

Changes to opening hours and services at local post offices on the Isle of Man have come under fire in the parliament.

It follows the announcement that sub-post offices will move to a postal-only model, with non-postal counter services restricted to five key branches, from April.

Juan Watterson SHK said the changes being made to services offered at sub-post offices were not modernisation but rather "exclusion" for those not digitally able.

But Isle of Man Post Office chairman, Stu Peters MHK, said the the decision to withdraw several services from branches was taken by the government and other changes were driven by customer usage.

The publicly-owned Post Office previously said the "evolution" of its offering was due to the digitisation of government services and changes in the use of its postal network.

But Watterson said: "They're community hubs, especially in rural areas. Trusted points of access for government services and vital support for residents who lack digital skills, devices or connectivity."

He also criticised the decision to limit Saturday opening hours to just one branch in Douglas, and the forthcoming closure of two sub-post offices in Foxdale and Onchan, after those running the outlets declined to sign up to a new contract.

Many Tynwald members taking part in the debate echoed Watterson's concerns and the call for more consultation by the Post Office.

Defending the changes, Peters said they were due to the government's ending of contracts for several services, such as vehicle licensing and the MiCard system, as it moved to a digital model.

He said the modernisation principles that formed part of the decision had been approved by Tynwald in 2019.

"The Post Office is, and always has been, obliged to consult on changes to postal access points," Peters said.

"It is not, and cannot, be required to consult on the withdrawal or redesign of agency services owned by government departments or other third parties."

Following amendments by Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston, Tynwald members supported acknowledging a previous commitment by the Council of Ministers to explore the creation of community hubs.

With a report due before parliament in June, it will invite the Post Office to "ensure effective consultation and communication as postal service arrangements evolve."

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