The Post Office will retain a minimum of 11,500 branches across the United Kingdom following confirmation from government ministers this week. A £483 million funding package has been allocated to support modernization and safeguard services over the next two years.
The announcement follows a government review and consultation process that raised concerns about potential counter closures and long-term viability. Ministers have now confirmed that the nationwide network will be maintained, reinforcing the Post Office’s role in communities and on high streets.
According to government ministers, the decision secures the existing minimum branch requirement while introducing new service standards intended to strengthen consistency across the network. The funding settlement also addresses compensation obligations linked to the Horizon IT scandal.
Government Safeguards Branch Numbers and Access Criteria
On Wednesday, February 25, ministers confirmed that the Post Office would continue operating at least 11,500 branches nationwide. According to the Express, this commitment follows a green paper consultation launched last summer examining the future of the state-owned postal, banking and retail business.
As part of the updated framework, more than half of all branches will be required to operate on a full-time, full-service basis. The new requirement is intended to provide customers with more consistent access to services. All six existing geographical access criteria will remain in place, including the rule that 99 per cent of the UK population must live within three miles of a branch, while 90 per cent must be within one mile.
The government stated that these measures recognize the central role post offices continue to play in local communities. Post Office minister Blair McDougall said branches “at the heart of our communities have delivered invaluable services on high streets across the country for decades,” adding that protecting them “has always been our priority.”
He also confirmed that the network will be safeguarded for the future, giving the organization certainty to implement its transformation plan. McDougall thanked postmasters and contributors to the green paper consultation, noting that their responses helped shape the outcome.
Investment to Modernize Services and Address Horizon Redress
The £483 million investment will be distributed over two years and is intended to modernize branches and improve the delivery of services. According to the Express, planned changes include the installation of additional self-service devices as part of efforts to update operations and enhance customer experience.
The funding will also support improvements to technology and retail infrastructure across the network. Neil Brocklehurst, Chief Executive of the Post Office, described the government’s response to the green paper as providing direction for the network and recognizing the importance of in-person services delivered by postmasters and partners.
He stated that the investment represents “a vote of confidence” in the Post Office’s transformation, adding that it would allow continued upgrades to branches and their technology in order to meet customer expectations for modern retail services.
In addition to modernization funding, £37.4 million has been allocated to assist with redress for individuals affected by the Horizon scandal and to support participation in the final stages of the Horizon IT Inquiry. According to ministers, this funding forms part of the broader effort to address past failings while securing the network’s long-term stability.
