Have your say on the future role of the Post Office.

David Kidney MP welcomes the new proposals on Post offices.

We all value our post offices. They have been a part of British Life for over 300 years, and I am delighted that they are being given the opportunity to re-invent themselves so that they have a sustainable long term future.

As we move into a low carbon future one of the things that needs to happen is that we put more emphasis on doing business locally. A post office service providing a range of financial services can play an important role in this.

The consultation that is going to be running for the next 12 weeks gives you a chance to have a say. http://www.bis.gov.uk/postofficebanking

The changes, to a Post Office which has more branches than all the High Street banks combined, would turn the Post Office into a 'leading player in financial services..

It is proposed that Post offices will be able to offer accounts, mortgages, Children’s savings accounts, and business accounts. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Broadcasts/DG_182923

I think it is particularly helpful that there are initiatives to help people manage their money better, these include Weekly budgeting accounts that ring-fence a proportion of income each week to pay bills and Closer links with credit unions.

I would encourage you to take part in the simple consultation.