Proposals for a new fund to help sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses diversify and improve their Post Offices have been unveiled by Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews today (Thursday 7 August 2008). The new fund will provide an opportunity for sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses to strengthen their businesses and make them sustainable in the long term for the benefit of the communities they serve. Today marks the start of a twelve week consultation on the proposals which will fulfil a One Wales agreement commitment to reinstate and refocus the Post Office Development Fund. The scheme is intended to help sub-postmasters diversify their businesses by providing funding for such things as business and marketing advice, advertising, training and some set-up costs for new services. The new fund could also pay for physical improvements to Post Office premises which are not funded by Post Office Ltd. The consultation asks for views on the types of improvements that could be funded for example creating better access to the building, upgrading computer equipment, improving security or providing better signs for the outside of the building. Comments are also being sought on whether the fund should be targeted at deprived and isolated communities. Consideration will also be given to whether a grant would help provide a distinct social purpose for the community for example support for the last retailer in the village. Given the wider remit of the new fund it may be renamed as the Post Office Diversification Fund.

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7 August 2008
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