Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Post Office Ltd’s franchising model in maintaining community access to Post Office services where branches are located within retail premises that subsequently close; and what discussions he has had with Post Office Ltd on the proposed closure of Edinburgh Road Post Office in Jarrow following the proposed closure of the Morrisons Daily store in which it is located.

The Government recognises the impact that post office and retail closures can have on employees, communities and access to essential services. The proposed closure of certain Morrisons stores is a commercial decision by the retailer rather than Post Office Limited.

My officials are in close contact with Post Office Limited to ensure it continues to meet the Government’s network requirements. Post Office Limited has indicated it will locally advertise the opportunity for a replacement branch for all affected branches, including in Jarrow.