Farron welcomes new contract for Post Office card account

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the new £250million, seven-year contract for the Post Office card account (POCA) announced by the Government today.

The card account is used by around 2.5m people to claim their pensions and benefits at their local post office. Lib Dem Pensions Minister Steve Webb told MPs that the new contract will run from March 2015.

This announcement is just the most recent way Liberal Democrats in Government are helping to secure the future of the post office network, which is especially important in rural areas like Cumbria.

Tim said: "This is great news for our post office network which continues to be at the heart of many rural communities.

"When I visit post offices across Westmorland, I see first-hand the investment that is going into branches across the UK. This new contract for the Post Office Card Account will help to safeguard the service in years ahead.

"Many people choose to use the post office to collect their pensions, benefits and other services. This new agreement will also help sub-postmasters to attract more business and generate income for their important local businesses. I'm determined that Cumbrian post offices and sub-postmasters get the support they deserve."