Only 1 In 10 PO Card Accounts Applications Processed

17.07.03

Post Office network may not survive

New Government figures show that only 13% of the 430,000 applications for Post Office Card Accounts have been opened by 20 June 2003.

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, lambasted the Government for the poor rate of Post Office Card Accounts which have been opened to date. It would appear that the application process that has previously been criticised for being over complicated is leaving people utterly defeated.

Edward Davey commented:

"This is not about an unexpected rush of applications in the last few weeks. As early as February some 78,000 applications had been received - only two thirds of that number have been processed 4 months later.

"There is a very imminent danger that the difficulties with the Post Office Card Account will drive away customers from local post offices, leaving the post office network hanging by a thread.

"The Government has arrogantly dismissed the problems surrounding the new Post Office Card Account. The message is now clear. Simplify the application process now or the Post Office network may not survive."