Annual reports

Postcomm's latest annual network report  - A sustainable customer focused network (pdf, 4491KB) - was published in October 2007, when the regulator called on the Government and Post Office Ltd to ensure that the sustainability of a viable post office network is their top priority once the current closure programme is completed.

Among its recommendations, the regulator has identified that the network will need:

  • a clear vision and a combination of commercial products and services that can attract and retain new customers – for example, Post Office Ltd has run trials with Argos, where customers were able to collect online purchases from their local post office, and is working on other propositions;
  • more links with commercial partners who recognise and can benefit from Post Office Ltd’s brand strength – for example, its joint venture with Bank of Ireland to sell financial services which is attracting 50,000 new customers every month;
  • stronger links with communities to identify ways in which they can work with Post Office Ltd and the Government to help sustain the provision of local postal services.

Key Points from the report:

  • At the end of March 2007 there were 14,219 post offices in the United Kingdom (including satellites and sites where the mobile vans stop once a week), an overall reduction of 157 from last year.
  • In the year ended March 2007, Post Office Ltd made an operating loss of £99m, compared to a loss of £111m in 2005-06. Post Office Ltd receives £150 million from Government to offset losses on the rural network.
  • Despite the 458 crown offices making up such a small proportion (3.22%) of the total estate they were responsible for £70 million of the £99 million 2006/07 losses. This is in contrast to a £50 million loss they made in 2005-06.
  • News release, 8 October 2007: Greater focus needed on creating a sustainable and viable Post Office network for the future.

Previous annual reports on the Post Office network: