Earlier today, it was announced that the DVLA’s Front Office Counter Service contract will be retained by the Post Office Ltd. This contract, worth £450 million, will run from April 2013 until 2020, with an option of a further three year extension.
Confirmation of the announcement can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/statements/mcloughlin-20121113a/
The contract will mean that all existing DVLA-related services, such as applying for tax discs and driving licences, as well as some new services currently offered through DVLA local offices, will be conveniently accessible to motorists through their local Post Office branch.
The contract award means that the taxpayer will better off by around £15 million per year, and it will help secure a sustainable future for many Post Offices which require additional income to help supplement their typical postal services.
Hundreds of residents across the constituency wrote to Bob Neill in support of the Help Keep it local campaign, demonstrating the strength of local support for the Post Offices’ bid.
Commenting on today’s news, Bob said:
“ Understandably, this was a very popular local campaign, with residents right across the constituency writing in support of their local branches. The Government has made a welcome decision in awarding this contract and recognised that Post Offices are well placed to become a genuine front offices for Government services. I very much hope that this announcement opens the door for a devolution of even more services to our network of local Post Offices.”