Post Office ownership overhaul considered after Horizon scandal
As part of a newly announced comprehensive review, the UK is considering a mutual ownership model for the Post Office, where the public would have a greater say in the service’s operations.
The government announced on Monday 14 July that it would conduct the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, opening a public consultation to source feedback from customers and postmasters to shape the future of the organisation.
Among the possible reforms to the Post Office outlined in the new Post Office Green Paper are revisions to the organisation’s ownership model, including mutualisation.
This could see the Post Office migrate to a mutual ownership structure that is run for the public benefit to better balance the needs of consumers with business incentives.
A public consultation on the future of the Post Office will run for 12 until 6 October 2025, sourcing feedback from the public on the following:
- How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs;
- Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters;
- Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach;
- Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends;
- How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides.
The public consultation follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to an increase in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.
The government also announced plans to award a subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.
“Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future,” said Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas.
“I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.”
