Government is called on to support the convenience stores that host the majority of the UK’s Post Offices, ensuring that they can continue to provide essential services to the communities that rely on them.
In its submission to the Government’s Green Paper on the future of the Post Office, ACS has highlighted the need for support for local shops on areas like fair business rates, tackling retail crime, balanced regulation and effective enforcement, so they can continue providing Post Offices and other vital services.
ACS’ Community Barometer 2025 shows that Post Offices are one of the top three most essential services locally, as well as having the most positive impact in local communities.
Almost 9,000 convenience stores across the UK, nearly one in five, provide Post Office services, acting not just as retail outlets but as vital community hubs.
Retailers remain committed to providing Post Office services, and with supportive government policies, these trusted local services can continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Key Challenges Facing Local Shops:
- Business Environment Pressures: High business rates, and rising labour costs, including the National Living Wage, National Insurance Contributions, and employment regulation, are squeezing margins and undermining retailers’ ability to invest in Post Office and other services.
- Crime: Retail crime is now one of the most significant challenges facing local shops, it deters staff, diverts resources, suppresses consumer confidence, and increases costs.
- Regulation and Enforcement: Effective regulation and enforcement are essential to protect young people and legitimate retailers.
- Incentivising Investment: Independent retailers face significant barriers in securing affordable investment to modernise and expand. Government schemes must be simplified and better targeted to support small businesses.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Post Offices are a deeply valued community service, but their future is intrinsically linked to the viability of the convenience stores that host them.
"With the right support, from fairer business rates to action on retail crime, the Government can help convenience stores continue to thrive and keep these vital services at the heart of local communities.
"Unless local shops are supported in government policy, Post Offices and other essential services will lose their host businesses and it is very unlikely that others will step in or that these services will be offered as a standalone business.”
ACS’ full submission to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office is available here.