The government has pledged to maintain a minimum of 11,500 Post Office branches and invest £483 million over the next two years, in a move aimed at safeguarding the long-term future of the network and supporting high streets and local communities.
Publishing its response to the Post Office Green Paper consultation on Wednesday (25 February), ministers confirmed the existing minimum branch requirement would remain in place, ensuring continued access to services such as parcel handling, banking and ID renewals.
A new requirement will also be introduced to improve service consistency, with at least half of branches expected to operate on a full-time, full-service basis.
Post Office minister Blair McDougall said protecting branches had been a key priority.
“Post offices at the heart of our communities have delivered invaluable services on high streets across the country for decades,” he said. “I am proud to confirm the network will be safeguarded for the future and that the Post Office will have the certainty to implement its transformation plan.”
The funding package will support modernisation across the network, including the rollout of new technology such as self-service devices and a major IT overhaul that will move the organisation away from Fujitsu and replace the controversial Horizon system.
An additional £37.4m has also been allocated to support redress for victims of the Horizon scandal and fund the Post Office’s participation in the ongoing public inquiry.
The government said the plans would help modernise the organisation, strengthen its culture and reduce its long-term reliance on state funding, while ensuring communities and small businesses retain access to essential services.
Post Office chief executive Neil Brocklehurst welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “vote of confidence” in the organisation’s future.
“The government’s Green Paper response provides direction for our network and recognises the essential in-person services our postmasters and partners offer to make everyday life easier for communities across the UK,” he said.
“The government’s investment is also a vote of confidence in Post Office’s transformation. It means we can continue to upgrade branches and their technology to provide the modern and efficient retail experience which our customers expect from their local post office.”
The consultation, which ran between July and October 2025, attracted more than 2,500 responses from postmasters, partners and stakeholders.
Post Office said it would continue delivering its transformation plan, focused on modernising branches, improving customer experience and increasing income opportunities for postmasters.
Further proposals covering governance reforms and long-term ownership, including potential mutualisation, are expected following the next report from the Horizon IT Inquiry.