News from Sheffield Labour

Blomfield backs more banking services for local Post Offices

Paul Blomfield, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Sheffield Central, has welcomed the Labour Government’s consultation on how to expand financial services at Post Offices, and has called for a full range of banking products to be made available. Paul Blomfield wants the Post Office to build on existing provision by offering a range of new services. He believes it would provide a future for Post Offices and bring banking services back to the heart of people’s communities.

Mr Blomfield also criticised Sheffield’s Lib Dem Council for failing to deliver on their promises to re-open closed Post Offices.

Paul Blomfield said:

“Post Offices are an important local institution and people care about their future. This is why I want more financial services to be made available through the Post Office and banking services put back at the heart of our communities. This transformation would give people access to a full range of bank accounts and services at a local institution we trust and value, and give the Post Office a sound business case for the future. I want people to have their say on the future of the Post Office and would like to hear people’s views.

“Whilst Labour is working to find a sound economic basis for the future of our Post Offices it’s very disappointing that after so much sound and fury from the Lib Dem Council Leader about keeping post offices open, not a single one has reopened. Over a year has passed since Cllr Scriven promised to keep post offices open and his words are ringing very hollow indeed.”

Pat McFadden MP, Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, speaking at the launch of the Government consultation, said:

“At a time when some banks and financial services companies are seeking to reduce face to face contact with customers, the Post Office stands out. It offers a trusted brand, and has more branches than the high street banks combined. It is ideally placed to bring banking services back to the heart of people’s communities.”