Thousands of local Post Offices across Devon and Somersets have been granted a reprieve following a policy reversal by the Labour government, which has now pledged to protect the national network.
The decision follows a period of uncertainty sparked by a government Green Paper published last summer. That report suggested the Post Office might abandon its long-standing "minimum branch requirement," a move that critics warned would have led to widespread closures across rural and urban communities.
In response, farmer and campaigner James Wright helped launch a nationwide effort. The campaign, which centered on the belief that Post Offices are the "social fabric" of British towns, gathered significant momentum as 180,000 people signed a national petition demanding the government maintain the current network.
The campaign focused on the vital role these outlets play in providing postal, retail, and increasingly, essential banking services to those left behind by traditional bank branch closures.
In a statement confirming the policy shift, Post Office Minister Blair McDougall MP announced that 11,500 branches will now be protected under a mandatory minimum requirement. To support this, the government has committed £483 million over the next two years to modernise operations.
In response, James Wright said: “This is a victory for everyone who relies on their Post Office. For too long, our rural communities and high streets have watched their essential services disappear. By protecting these 11,500 branches, we aren't just saving an important lifeline; we are saving our local economies.”
“The government’s original plan to scrap the minimum branch requirement was a death sentence for the 'last shop' in many villages,” James continued. “While we welcome the modernisation and the long-overdue removal of the Horizon system, our focus now shifts to ensuring this funding reaches the frontline postmasters who have kept this country.”
Paul Osman, Deputy Chair Political said “Everyone who lives and works in Mid Devon or West Somerset, knows how much we rely on Post Offices. The Liberal Democrats and Labour have worked together to undermine these communities. This is a Conservative lead victory for our villages, towns, and for the Post Masters on whom we rely.”
Under the new rules, more than half of all branches will be required to operate on a full-time basis to ensure service consistency for customers.
