5 November 2003

RE-APPOINTMENTS TO CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR POSTAL SERVICES

Stephen Timms, Minister for Postal Services, today announced the following re- appointments to the Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch). These are:

* Peter Carr as National Chair of the Postwatch Council. This post is part time. He was first appointed in January 2001 based on an average of three days per week. His re-appointment is for one year; based on a four-day week with annual remuneration of £45,000 with effect from 1st December 2003.

* Kay Dixon as a Council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair for the Council's Committee for Greater London. She was first appointed in January 2001. Her re-appointment is for two years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £30,750 based on an average of three days per week.

* Eifon Pritchard QPM as a Council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair of the Council's Committee for Wales. He was first appointed in January 2001. His re-appointment is for two years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £25,000 based on an average of 2.5 days per week.

* Dr Diane Bailey as a Council Member of Postwatch. She was first appointed in January 2001. Her re- appointment is for two years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with a fee of £210 per day based on an average of 30 days per year.

* Judith Donovan CBE as a Council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair of the Council's Committee for North of England. She was first appointed in January 2001. Her re- appointment is for two years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £30,750 based on an average of three days per week.

* Dr Tom Begg OBE as a Council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair of the Council's Committee for Scotland. He was first appointed in January 2001. His re-appointment is for three years with effect from January 1st 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £20,500 based on an average of two days per week.

* Richard Ward as a Council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair of the Council's Committee for the Midlands. He was first appointed in January 2001. His re-appointment is for three years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £30,750 based on an average of three days per week.

* Charles Howeson as a council Member of Postwatch and the Regional Chair of the Council's Committee for South West England. He was first appointed in January 2001. His re-appointment is for three years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with annual remuneration of £30,750 based on an average of three days per week.

* Moi Ali as a Council Member of Postwatch. She was first appointed in January 2001. Her re- appointment is for three years with effect from 1st January 2004. The post is part-time with a fee of £210 per day based on an average of 30 days per year.

Stephen Timms said:

"I am very pleased to confirm the re-appointment of Peter Carr and eight other members of the Council and wish them continuing success in their work representing the interests of postal users. I would also like to thank departing Council member Ann Foster for her contribution to the Council and wish her success in the future.

Notes for Editors:

1. The Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch) was established on 1 January 2001, replacing the Post Office Users National Council (POUNC). The Headquarters is located in London; it has nine regional offices throughout the UK.

2. The appointments are made in accordance with guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

3. Ann Foster, who has been a Council member since January 2001 is not available for re-appointment due to other commitments and will leave the Council at the end of the year. A new Council member is therefore currently being recruited.

4. Other existing Council members are Clara Arokiasamy; David Bland (Regional Chair for the South East); Charles Winstanley (Regional Chair for Eastern England); John Stringer (Regional Chair Northern Ireland).

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