KEETCH WINS IN FIGHT FOR POST OFFICE CARD ACCOUNT

4.00.00pm GMT Thu 13th Nov 2008

Lib Dem MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, a vocal supporter of the Post Office Card Account scheme, was delighted to hear the news that the Government have renewed the Post Office's contract just days after the Liberal Democrats put a motion to the House of Commons calling for the contracts renewal.

The MP commented, "We've snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Despite the Government defeating our motion on Monday, they have finally realised how important this scheme is to communities all over the country.

"I, like most people, was horrified to hear that the Government was even considering removing the scheme by offering it out to other companies. Only recently we found out that the Department of Work and Pensions had written to Post Office Card Account holders to tell them to take out bank accounts in order to receive benefits beyond 2010 when the old contract would have ended. This is a victory for the Post Office and for the essential role it plays in so many people's daily lives, especially those in rural areas. I am glad the Government has finally seen sense."