367 residents in Epping Forest have signed the Conservatives’ petition opposing mass Post Office closures currently being considered by the government.
The plans under consideration could see up to half of Britain’s post offices close, meaning that potentially 7 of 15 post offices in Epping Forest could close.
This is because the government is considering ending the Post Office subsidy. Nearly half of Britain’s post offices do not currently make a profit after being hit by a more than doubling of business rates and the National Insurance Jobs Tax under Labour.
This is despite the Labour manifesto committing to ‘strengthen the Post Office network’.
Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson has long sought that the Government reverse course on its poor economic decisions and the harm they are causing to businesses and workers across the constituency including the rise in National Insurance. Earlier this month, he spoke up in the House of Commons Chamber for Epping Forest's excellent local businesses, and voted for the Conservative Party's plan that would cut business rates for 250,000 businesses, during a debate the Conservatives lead on this issue.
He has also met with businesses in the constituency to hear from them first hand about the difficulties the current Government's approach is causing them, visiting the Theydon Oak in October to hear about the challenges facing the hospitality sector, as well as taking part in a business breakfast in September to hear from those from a range of sectors including education.
There are fears the Post Office network could be about to see a repeat of the savage cuts which took place under the last Labour government when 7,166 closed, equivalent to more than one a day.
The signatories of the Opposition's petition are a share of 165,000 across Britain who have stood up against the government for their Post Offices.
You too can sign this petition at saveyourpostoffice.com
Commenting, Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“We are lucky to have great post offices in Epping Forest which help our high streets thrive.
“But all that is being put at risk because of Labour’s decision to consider closing many post offices nationally. That is why residents have signed the Conservatives petition to get the government to U-turn on their plans.
“We have made Labour U-turn before and through the Conservatives’ strong leadership we can get them to do it again, protecting our post offices and our high streets.”
Harriett Baldwin, Shadow Post Office Minister, said:
“Post Offices are far more than a place to send letters. They offer key services for local businesses, help those not online access government services and help to keep our high streets alive.
“That is why the Conservatives and 165,000 people from across Britain are standing up to Labour by objecting to the branch closures they are considering which could see 5,000 post offices lost.
“Only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone and the strong team needed to stand up for our high streets and build stronger local economies.”
