Remuneration for processing the Energy Bill Support Scheme and other government schemes is expected to be worth around £3m for postmasters.
In a message to postmasters, seen by ConvenienceStore.co.uk, Post Office group chief retail officer Martin Roberts outlined the package.
“As you know, in August, Nick Read announced a significant package of remuneration improvements and a financial support package to help you get through this immediate cost of living crisis.
“This included a doubling of the payment for processing Payout transactions, backdated to 1 April 2022. As a result, I’m pleased to be able to say that remuneration for processing the Energy Bill Support Scheme and various other Government schemes is expected to be worth around £3 million in remuneration for postmasters between October and March 2023.”
Roberts said that the move was a “step in the right direction” given the economic climate. “We’re facing into the biggest cost of living crisis this country has seen for well over 40 years, and we recognise that the doubling of remuneration for Payout transactions isn’t a complete solution – but it is significant, and an important step in the right direction.”
Other financial support and remuneration improvements detailed in the message included:
- A one-off lump sum worth 7% of their Mails and Travel Money remuneration based on the first five months of trading this financial year.
- A doubling of the per transaction payment for banking deposits
- Payment for balance enquiries and failed banking transactions
He praised postmasters for their role in the community. “I am proud that over the next few months, you, and your employees will be providing hundreds of thousands of customers with some human support and assurance that they have come to the right place to receive their discounts,” he said. “We are fully aware that you operate your branches long hours. You play such a pivotal role in your local community providing that little bit of reassurance that so many desperately need.”
Roberts added that the Post Office is also engaging with officials at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to request that the Energy Bill Relief announced by the government last month (September) extends to Post Offices beyond 31 March 2023.
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