I am delighted to say that the Government has decided to award the new contract for the Post Office Card Account to the Post Office. This announcement is good news for our local Post Offices as the card account is an important source of income and brings customers through the doors of post offices across the country.

I know many of you were concerned about this issue and I met recently with James Purnell to raise it directly with him. That is why I welcome this news as will the people who run our post offices. This decision will help to protect the Post Offices that play such an important role in our community.

I think this decision is particularly reassuring to people who will feel they need the Post Office Card Account even more during the period of financial uncertainty that began with the collapse of the American banks. The Post office is a trusted brand and is seen as a safe, secure and reliable provider of services in these turbulent times.

The Prime Minister has issued a statement regarding the new contract.  You can read it here: POCA letter.

I would like to thank you for the support you have shown local post offices and for supporting my efforts campaigning in Parliament on this issue.