In rural areas in particular, the Post Office is the "heart of the community".

Mike Penning welcomed the rally held in Westminster by the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters this week.

“Post Offices feel under threat from all sides,” he said. “The Government could be doing more to encourage people to use the Post Office.”

The latest concerns arise from Government proposals to close the Post Office Card Account in 2010. Mike has signed an Early Day Motion calling for the preservation of the Post Office Card Account and for the Government to stop its policies seemingly designed to see an end to Sub Post Offices as the heart of their communities.

Most recently, other Government departments or their agencies are encouraging people to move away from paying at the Post Office – for example customers are now being encouraged to buy their TV Licences and Car Tax online.

“I’ve no problem with new methods of buying these licences,” said Mike, “but I do object to the old, traditional methods of payment being closed down. Not everyone is able to buy their TV licence online.”

He went on to say:

“We should free up Sub Postmasters to be able to offer a wider range of goods and services – perhaps some of the services currently offered by local Councils. This could ensure that vulnerable people have better access to services they need.”

“It was good to see so many people at the rally,” he said.