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<p>The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities
and for small businesses across the UK. This is why the Government committed to safeguard
the post office network and protect existing rural services. The overall number of
post offices across the UK remains at its most stable in decades with over 11,500
branches thanks to significant Government investment of over £2 billion since 2010.</p><p>
</p><p>While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows
the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business.
The distribution of branches is an operational matter of commercial judgement for
the Post Office management team. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Group
Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to you on this matter. A copy of
her reply will be placed in the Library of the House.</p><p> </p>
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