Local MP welcomes new Post Office card account
Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander has welcomed the new £250 million, seven-year contract for the Post Office card account (POCA) announced by the UK Government today.
The card account is used by around 2.5 million people to claim their pensions and benefits at their local post office.
Lib Dem Pensions Minister Steve Webb told MPs that the new contract will run from March 2015.
Mr Alexander said: “This is great news for our post office network which continues to be at the heart of many Highland communities.
“When I recently opened the newly refurbished Inverness post office I saw first-hand the investment that is going into branches across the UK.
"This new contract for the Post Office Card Account will help to safeguard the service in years ahead.
“Many people choose to use the post office to collect their pensions, benefits and other services.
"This new agreement will also help subpostmasters to attract more business and generate income for their important local businesses.
“I’m determined that Highland post offices and subpostmasters get the support they deserve and, after years of neglect, the Liberal Democrats in government are providing the vital investment that makes that possible."