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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>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 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
Libraries of the House.</p>
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