Post Office to fully franchise network by autumn, ending direct management of 108 branches

Post Office has today (8 April) announced that following a Board decision it is moving to a fully franchised network. Subject to government funding, the last 108 directly managed branches which are operated by the Post Office will be franchised by the autumn. This means that those communities that currently have a directly managed branch in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services either at, or near to, the same location. In November 2024, the Post Office announced its five-year Transformation Plan to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’. Subject to government funding to enable the Post Office to deliver its plan, postmaster remuneration will increase by an additional £250 million a year by 2030. The Post Office confirmed in November that the future of its directly managed branch network would be under review. Directly managed branches generate a fully allocated loss (including central and support costs) of over £40 million each year.