Sub-Postmasters from across Wales were welcomed to the Senedd this week to attend an event hosted by Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar.
The National Federation of Sub-Postmasters (NFSP) drop-in event provided Members of the Senedd with an opportunity to discuss with those in attendance issues facing Sub Postmasters and Post Offices in Wales.
Attendees included Calum Greenhow, CEO of the NFSP, who gave some evidence to the Post Office inquiry, Gwyneth Millington, Sub-Postmaster for Abergele, and Huw Hilditch Roberts, Sub-Postmaster for Ruthin.
Speaking after the event, Darren said:
“I was very pleased to host this event, which provided Sub-Postmasters with an opportunity to discuss their concerns regarding the sector.
“We are all aware of the terrible injustice that many Sub-Postmasters faced as a result of the Post Office scandal, also called the Horizon IT scandal, which involved the Post Office pursuing thousands of innocent Sub-Postmasters for apparent financial shortfalls caused by faults in Horizon, an accounting software system developed by Fujitsu. In December, the Horizon Inquiry ended, and the Chair started to formulate recommendations based on evidence given at the Public Inquiry over the past two years.
“At the event Sub-Postmasters discussed with MSs the need to prevent a similar situation from occurring again, emphasising how a new governance model is needed.”
He added:
“Post offices in Wales are often the ‘last shop in the village’, and as such rely on a government subsidy to stay open. However, even with this subsidy, many Sub-Postmasters in rural post offices operate at a loss or on less than the minimum wage equivalent.
“It was emphasised at the event that many people do not know that Post Offices also offer banking services and crucial access to cash, and with so many banks having closed across Wales in recent years they are keen for more people to start utilising the services provided at Post Offices.
“In 2024, there were 920 post offices (including outreaches) in Wales, which is down by 32 branches since September 2023. It is deeply concerning that so many post offices have closed when you consider the social lifeline they offer to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“There is no doubt that Post Offices play a vital role within communities across Wales, and we must do all we can to support and protect them.”
