ACS

ACS has welcomed two reports published today which have emphasised once again the valuable community role played by local shops. The Business and Enterprise Select Committee has published its report, “Post Offices – Securing Their Future” following an in depth inquiry into the Post Office network to which ACS submitted written evidence. Also today, PayPoint has published its “Better Local Living” campaign following new research into what people feel about local shops’ role in the community.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Today’s reports mark a step forward in the debate on the role that local shops play in the community. But we need to see Government policy and the approach of companies like the Post Office and PayPoint change to support these local shops.

“If our members are to survive and prosper, they need fair contracts which allow them the freedom to offer the services that customers want. Of course we recognise the fine balance required between offering consistency and efficiency and allowing retailer choice, but we agree with the Select Committee that the Post Office contract with retailers is too restrictive, and this criticism is equally apt for other payment service businesses who offer low retailer margins and unilaterally enforce margin reductions.”

“Services – whether through the Post Office or another provider – are a crucial part of the convenience store offer. Our members want to be at the heart of a network of services in communities and need the fair and balanced relationships with suppliers to do this.

“There is also an onus on Government to support local shops through reducing the burden of regulation and through promoting legislation which values their role. For example, we are facing a costly ban on the display of tobacco despite poor evidence that this will achieve any health benefits, and the Government are removing the need test from planning applications, which could lead to more out-of-town superstores. Policy-makers have to back their warm words with real action.”

Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. The Business and Enterprise Committee Post Office Securing their Future can be downloaded here.

3. PayPoint’s Better Local Living Campaign can be found here.

4. The Business and Enterprise Committee’s conclusion on restricted contracts (para 62) “Post Office Ltd must consider the impact of its decisions on its sub-post offices and other network providers as it seeks to secure the sustainability of the network. There is no doubt that the company has a very difficult balancing act to perform in ensuring that the company as a whole is as profitable and efficient as possible, while acknowledging the needs of its partners to make a profit. We are not convinced that balance is currently correct; there is a danger that a drive for efficiency could result in a rise in unplanned, voluntary closures because the needs of subpostmasters and other providers are not adequately met.”