RENNIE PRAISES LOCAL SUPPORT FOR POST OFFICE CARD ACCOUNT CAMPAIGN

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Jul 2008

Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Willie Rennie has praised the high levels of local support for the National Federation of Subpostmaster's campaign to win the contract for the new Card Account.

There are currently 4.3 million individuals in the UK using the Card Account, after the Government ruled all pensions and benefits had to be paid directly into a bank account. These account holders now face an uncertain future after the Government revealed it would shortly be announcing the replacement account contract.

3,000 people in Dunfermline and West Fife use the Post Office Card Account to collect their benefits or state pension.

Mr. Rennie received over 400 postcards from individuals across his constituency urging the Government to award the new contract to the Post Office.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"I am delighted with the support that has been shown for this campaign. It is crucial that the Post Office is rewarding for its good work by being awarded this contract".

"People deserve to have simple, straightforward access to their money. The response to this campaign shows people consider this a priority".

"The Post Office provides a convenient, personable service that is unique for rural constituents. The new Card Account contract is worth around one billion pounds to the Post Office network, and would bring a much deserved lifeline to rural post offices".

"It is essential that the Post Office is awarded this contract and I am backing the Subpostmaster's campaign to make this happen".

ENDS