Millions of post office customers are set to be affected by a huge removal of services next year. 

Coming into force from March 31, 2024, all DVLA services will be removed from the Post Office network in the UK following a government ruling. 

Across the UK currently, six million customers access DVLA services across Post Office counters and half of those pay in cash. Last year, the network earned over £3m from providing DVLA services. 

Services include taxing your vehicle and applying for a provisional driving licence.

Glasgow Times: Image: Post Office

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The new decision means that in Scotland, 1200 post offices and thousands of jobs will be affected as a result. 

Now, The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) and MP Marion Fellows (SNP), who is chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Post Offices are calling on the Government to reverse their decision.

Glasgow Times:

Marion Fellows said: "My clear message to the UK government is that the decision to withdraw DVLA services from sub-post offices is unacceptable.

“The Tory administration in Westminster has previously said that post offices would be the 'front office' of government in communities across the UK, yet this action is the opposite of that.

"We have seen unprecedented financial pressures on sub-post offices through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. They need UK government support for the 50,000 equivalent full-time jobs they maintain.

“They are vital for people who need to use cash, and they provide a vital community hub for our high streets in these trying economic times.

"The latest research shows that the use of cash has actually increased, which may be as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Many elderly people, or people with a disability, or people who are digitally excluded, need to use cash and need face-to-face local services.

"Post offices provide this, and the UK government should be supporting that, not undermining it.

“The National Federation of SubPostmasters has a comprehensive and compelling case.

"Now the UK government must listen and reverse this incredible decision."

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The NFSP has set up a campaign to raise awareness of the recent decision and has launched a petition called “Prevent Government from removing DVLA services from the post office from April 2024’. 

Members of the public can sign the petition HERE but the NFSP are encouraging their customers to go into their local post office and physically sign an offline petition.

This will support their local post office and protect this vital community service.

The NFSP hope to present a significant amount of signatures to the Government and MPs on  November 2, 2023, so the issue can be debated in Parliament and presented at Downing Street.

A DVLA spokesperson said: “The Post Office currently provide a limited range of DVLA’s services and an extension to the current contract has recently been agreed until March 31, 2024.

“We want our customers to be able to access our services as quickly and as easily as possible, and the role of front office counter services will form part of the considerations of any future service offerings."