Local MP Steve Brine says it is "excellent news" that the new DVLA contract has been awarded to the Post Office.
MPs and Post Office staff had said the pending decision about the future of the DVLA contract, which allows customers to renew car tax discs at their local post office branch, was a chance for the coalition to prove it was true to its word that no new branches will close.
The Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP issued a written statement in the House of Commons today (Tuesday 13th November) about the DVLA's Front Office Counter Services contract, which following a competition has been awarded to the Post Office Ltd.
Steve says; "I made very strong representations to the Minister on behalf of my constituents and am delighted to see he has made the right call. This is really excellent news and testament to the huge lobbying campaign waged by the Federation of sub-Postmasters and individual Post Office customers. I have had hundreds of constituents contact me about this and we left the Minister in no doubt this was the only just decision he could make.
"We said in Opposition we will not entertain a process of post office closures and promised to work to make them viable front-office businesses. This decision is part of delivering on that promise and is excellent news for Winchester, for Kings Worthy Post Office and for people across the country."
The contract award not only means that motorists will continue to be able to access DVLA services locally to tax their cars and apply for driving licences, but also that the taxpayer will be better off to the tune of £13m-£15m per year.
The scope of the contract is for all existing DVLA-related Post Office services, such as applying for tax discs and driving licences, as well as some new services currently offered through DVLA local offices, such as the provision of duplicate licences and licensing of Heavy Goods Vehicles. These additional services will shortly be available at the Post Office's network, giving better accessibility to DVLA's services to motorists.
In addition to DVLA services, the contract also gives scope for the winning bidder to provide services to the public for other Government departments. The new seven year contract, with an option to extend for a further three years, will come into effect on 1 April 2013.
Steve said he joined the Minister in congratulating the Post Office on winning the contract and added he was confident they will deliver an excellent service to constituents in Winchester, Kings Worthy and throughout the country.