Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure continuity of Post Office services in communities affected by the closure of franchised branches located within retail premises.

The Government recognises the importance of maintaining access to Post Office services for local communities. Post Office Ltd is responsible for the day-to-day management of the network and works to maintain service provision where branches close, including through seeking replacement provision where appropriate. The Government protects access to Post Office services through minimum access criteria, including a requirement that 99% of the UK population live within three miles of a Post Office branch.