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<p>Since 2010 the Government has committed nearly £2 billion to maintain, modernise
and protect a Post Office network of at least 11,500 branches that meets strict access
criteria that ensure fair and reasonable access to Post Office services, including
in rural communities. For example, the access criteria require 99% of the population
nationally to live within three miles of a post office outlet. The Post Office is
the only retailer in the UK that meets these criteria. Furthermore, the Government
has been consistently clear that there will be no programme of branch closures, and
under this Government the Post Office network is at its most stable for a generation.</p><p>
</p><p>The overwhelming majority of rural branches are owned and operated by private
businesspeople known as subpostmasters who provide access to Post Office services
under contractual arrangements. Subpostmasters are responsible for employing the staff
required to deliver Post Office services.</p>
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