Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has welcomed the Sottish Government’s new £1million Challenge Fund, which was launched yesterday (Thursday 10th June 2010).
 
The fund is designed to help local post offices diversify with new business activities and become more sustainable. Applications for awards, ranging from £2,500 to £25,000, can be made over the summer. It is anticipated that application forms will be published on July 21st of this year, with a deadline date for completed applications planned for this autumn.

To ensure that the fund is tailored to the needs of Scotland’s post offices, the Government has launched a short consultation process for postmasters to take part in, beginning on 10th June 2010 and ending on July 9th 2010. This consultation sets out proposals about the type of support and outcomes that the new fund could provide.

Mr Hepburn has written to postmasters across the region to ensure that they have their say in the consultation process.

Commenting, Mr Hepburn said:

”The introduction of the Challenge Fund is a positive and essential step by the Scottish Government to support Post Offices across Scotland. The Fund recognises the vital importance of our local post offices.
“After the last UK Government’s swingeing closure programme in 2008—which resulted in the loss of the Banton, Kildrum, Queenzieburn, Plains, Bo'ness and Grangemouth branches, despite massive local opposition—it is absolutely essential that our Post Offices are provided with the best possible support.

“I have written to postmasters across Central Scotland to encourage them to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation and ensure that their voice is heard in the process.”