Directly Managed (Crown) Post Office Network
Crown Offices are those under direct management of Post Office Limited ("POL") and currently number around 550 from a network of over 15,000 in total. The rest comprising of sub-post offices operated under contract by individuals and franchise chains.
Alongside POL's policy of maintaining a core network of directly managed offices with the aim of making the business commercially viable, POL's strategy for Crown offices includes the conversion of individual directly managed offices to franchise or agency offices where suitable opportunities arise (as recommended in the June 2000 Performance and Innovation Unit report).
Proposals and, following public consultation, decisions on individually directly managed post offices are operational and commercial matters for POL in which Government does not intervene. The Code of Practice (agreed between Postwatch and POL) does provide the opportunity for customers and other interested parties to express their views and raise concerns although it does not provide for consultation on the principle of conversion. If significant issues arise during an individual consultation, POL will review the plans accordingly and wherever possible incorporate changes.
Related website links
® Post Office Limited -
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po
® Postwatch -
http://www.postwatch.co.uk