Tynwald backs Post Office modernisation

Series of recommendations get seal of approval

A series of recommendations to modernise the Isle of Man Post Office, put to Tynwald by the post office board, have been approved by members.

The move introduces six ‘guiding principles’ to shape the future operations of the post office on the Island, including a promise that 96% of island residents have an access point within three miles of their homes.

However, the main thrust of the strategic document about the post office’s retail network is to keep it financially ‘efficient’, and ‘self-sustaining’.

Chair of the organisation, Julie Edge MHK, hopes this will lead to growth:

Critics argued this was to the detriment of the institution’s social value, and both Tim Baker and Juan Watterson sought to amend the motion in favour of further scrutiny.

Ultimately, both amendments were defeated and the court voted 17-7 in favour of Ms Edge’s proposals, with just two MLCs voting against it.