‘An early Christmas present’ - MP’s delight as DVLA services to remain at the Post Office

Today, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed the news that the Post Office has extended its contract with DVLA so that the services will still be provided by its branches.

The National Federation of Subpostmasters has expressed delight at the news that it will not be losing the vital service which is used by six million people across the UK every year.

Tim had written to the Chief Executive of the DVLA urging her to scrap plans to remove their services from local post offices, fearing the impact it will particularly on elderly or disabled people who rely on being able to renew their licence or pay road tax in person.

Tim had raised the issue numerous times in Parliament, including earlier this month during a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake.

Meanwhile at a recent meeting of Westmorland and Furness Council, local Lib Dem councillors Mark Rudhall and Rupert Audland put forward a successful motion urging the Government to reconsider its decision.

Commenting on the news, Tim said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the DVLA have finally seen sense and have announced they are not withdrawing these vital services from the Post Office.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who campaigned so hard to get this result.

“This news really is an early Christmas present for so many people, especially those who are elderly or disabled, who simply would not have been able to do essential things like pay their road tax or renew their drivers licence.”