Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ89090

Post Office matters are not devolved. The UK Government is responsible for financial support for the Post Office.

As the UK becomes increasingly digital, the in-person service provided by the Post Offices has become more important to those either unable or unwilling to use online services. Post offices provide key public services, including bill payments for utilities, cash and banking services and, of course, postal services. It is therefore vital that the UK Government continues to support the Post Office to offer key public services.

We welcome the recent announcement that the Post Office has recently secured a new government contract for in-person identity checks, adding to its portfolio of identity products and services available digitally or in branch. The face-to-face service will ensure people can verify their identity when accessing public services. Around 1,000 Post Offices will provide this in-person identity check for people wanting to confirm their identity to use GOV.UK One Login. More information is available here: corporate.postoffice.co.uk/en/media-centre/#/pressreleases/post-office-secures-new-government-contract-for-in-person-identity-checks-3269708

Our Digital Strategy for Wales makes it clear that for people who cannot, or decide not to, participate digitally, alternative ways to access public services in Wales must remain available.

We are committed to improving the digital skills of citizens across Wales. Through our Digital Communities Wales: Digital Confidence, Health and Well-being (DCW) programme, we are working with organisations to help reach digitally excluded people. It is designed to provide training and support to frontline staff, volunteers and organisations to develop the basic digital skills of citizens and enable them to engage with vital services.

Since the contract started in July 2019, DCW has supported an estimated 142,953 citizens with the motivation and basic digital skills.