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.”