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WQ.339/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2023
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2023
Question
“Following the recent announcement that four post offices in Channel Island Co-operative Society stores are due to close, and the lack of provision of a mail plane following a decision by Royal Mail, will the Chief Minister –
- state what the Government policy is regarding the provision of community and business postal and post office services; and
- if an impact assessment has been undertaken in developing the Government policy, and if not, why not?”
Answer
The provision of community and business postal and post office services is an operational matter for Jersey Post. The Government’s relationship with Jersey Post is managed via the shareholder management function within the Department for Treasury and Exchequer. As the Shareholder Representative, the Minister for Treasury and Resources approves Jersey Post’s annual business plan and maintains regular engagement with Jersey Post. The Government supports the provision of community and business postal and post office services where these are operationally and commercially viable.
The decision to close four post offices was, accordingly, an operational decision taken following discussions between the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and Jersey Post. Full assessments for each branch were undertaken by Jersey Post. I am advised that Jersey Post will be advertising for replacement Post Offices at Pontac, Beaumont and Georgetown and is not seeking to close branches.
It is important to note that, after these four closures, there will be two main branches and 12 community branches operating across the Island.