Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment his Department has made of the extent to which the remuneration package offered to retail businesses that host post offices takes account of the costs of (a) the national living wage, (b) business rates revaluations, (c) auto-enrolment pensions and (d) the apprenticeship levy; and if he will make a statement.

The negotiations on benefit packages for retail businesses that host post office branches into their stores is the responsibility of Post Office Limited.

I have asked Paula Vennells, the Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the Hon Member on this matter and provide the information requested. A copy of her reply will be placed in the libraries of the House.