Committee publication · Correspondence · 14 July 2026 · HC 168
Correspondence from Post Office following up from 8 July session, dated 9 July 2026
Summary
Post Office follows up on 8 July oral evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee's high streets inquiry. It presents findings from independent WPI Economics research showing strong demand for cash (85% of Scots use it monthly) and in-person banking services (84% have used them in two years). Post Office argues for government-backed minimum standards for in-person banking access and seeks recognition of its expanded role beyond cash to support banking needs like fraud reporting and mortgage discussions.
Key findings
- Post Office operates 1,200+ Scottish branches serving 720,000 weekly visits; research shows £292m annual economic impact and £256m additional high street spending annually
- 85% of Scots use cash monthly (vs 77% UK average); 84% have used in-person banking services in past two years; 51% access in-person services at least monthly
- 76% of people believe there should be a choice between digital and in-person banking; 71% concerned some will be left behind without in-person access
- Post Office processed nearly £280m in cash withdrawals and deposits last month across Scotland; 39% of Scots use post office banking services monthly; 32% say they would struggle without it
- 47% of Scottish respondents want wider range of banking services at local post offices; Post Office seeks government-endorsed minimum standards for in-person banking with geographical access criteria
Tone
SupportiveTopics
Key actors
Post Office Ltd, Jack Foden, Patricia Ferguson MP, Scottish Affairs Committee, WPI Economics, HM Treasury, Banking Framework
Notable line
“Consumers continue to value face-to-face support for more complex banking needs, such as reporting fraud, managing life events and accessing personalised support.”
Key Quotes
“Post Office currently operates a network of over 1,200 branches across Scotland, serving over 720,000 visits each week.”
“… nearly nine in ten (85%) people in Scotland use cash at least monthly”
“… more than half (51%) of UK respondents said they would be negatively affected if access to cash became more difficult …”
“… three in four (76%) people believe there should always be a choice between digital and in-person banking …”
“Post Office welcomes that Review and believes that Government should consider setting minimum standards for in-person banking support, supported by geographical access criteria similar to those established for cash.”
“We believe there is a significant opportunity for Government, the banking sector and Post Office to work together to develop a sustainable long-term model that leverages existing infrastructure and protects access to essential services”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗