No consultation, no communication, just an another announcement of a poorly conceived policy decision already made and subsequently endorsed by the Council of Ministers. Another snap decision made behind closed doors, with the impact being felt by working people and local communities.
It’s appalling that a government owned organisation that made £2m profit last year (and generated a cash surplus of £1.5m even after the government dividend) is being allowed to close two post offices that are integral to the local community.
Rather than close the Post Offices, why was there no effort made to use the facilities that already exist to provide more services for the community?
Ramsey would benefit greatly from a central government office counter, which could fulfil any of the functions that government offer face to face over the counter in Douglas, like passports, taxes, welfare, a jobcentre or even a DOI counter.
Instead, as we are seeing more and more with this current administration, Government have taken the easy way out and cut the service, with only an eye on the bottom line, when clearly the value of the service to our town is far in excess of its cost.
We are faced with losing an important and effective service and being left with an empty building right in the heart of our town.
Ramsey Commissioners will oppose this decision and I will fight to ensure that we do everything in our power to try and convince the Government to set a different course.
http://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/sittings/Tynwald%2020142016/2014-GD-0072.pdf – Post office accounts
Lawrie Hooper MHK 