A postmaster from Blackpool has expresses his concerns as increased energy prices has put his family business at risk of closure.

Azim Shaikh, 35, has run a family business of post offices for the last eight years and is committed to helping support the community with the services many rely on, including ensuring people receive Government pay-outs for their energy bills, for example.

However, Azim’s energy bills have doubled in the past few months and typical post office energy bills, which have gone up by 249 per cent, are set to rise by a minimum of £6,000-£8,000 next year if the Energy Bill Relief Scheme support for branches stops, as intended, in March 2023.

This will put extreme pressure on Azim and other local Postmasters so Azim is calling on the government to extend the energy support to prevent risk of closure.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Azim said: “Our post offices are a lifeline for the local communities we serve, keeping businesses and people connected. Every single day people come through my doors looking for a friendly face, a chat, or help with everything from accessing cash, paying bills, topping up electricity and gas meters, and sending packages to loved ones.

“My energy bills have doubled in the past few months and I’m now struggling to pay staff wages – we need the Government to do more to help support us by extending its energy support to help keep us alive.”

The government is currently reviewing the scheme to determine which businesses are most vulnerable and merit continued support, with a decision expected by the end of December.

Research by London Economics states that post office closures would be particularly harmful for rural communities, where over a quarter of post offices are considered the last shop in the village and the only accessible option for people to receive government support.

It would hurt the most vulnerable in society, including those on low incomes and the elderly who view the post office as a hub where they can come socialise and get daily support and advice.

Scott Benton MP, Blackpool South who visited Azim’s Blackpool Post Office branch last week, said: “It was great to visit my local post office in Blackpool, where I saw first-hand the amazing work that Azim, like many postmasters across the country, do for the local community.

“Post offices will be vital to thousands of customers over the winter who rely on its essential services but it is clear that post offices need our support too.

“Branches, like Azim’s, contribute so much to the national and regional economies and we are all grateful for the service of postmasters here in Blackpool, and across the UK.”

Nick Read, chief executive Post Office said: “The government should not overlook the important role they play in the economy and in keeping us all connected – both nationally and in every local community across the country – and we strongly urge them to extend the Energy Bill Relief Scheme support in place for post offices beyond March 31, 2023.”