A postmaster has slammed the government for having “no interest” in customers over plans to scrap in-person services.

Earlier this year the government announced it would be removing DVLA services in post offices from April 2024.

Postmaster Paul Money said it was an attack on elderly customers and one which could force some post offices to close.

Mr Money, who owns a post office in Arundel, said: "Many branches are run as franchises by independent retailers who rely on the revenue from government services, including DVLA, to survive.

“The government seems to have no interest in our customers, many of whom are elderly and have no access to the internet or have little intention of becoming connected. In addition, a high proportion of these transactions are paid in cash, which only goes to prove the value of cash in our society today.

“The post office is a lifeline for so many people of all ages and an essential service.

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“Removing services, including DVLA, will further erode the network and could force many postmasters who have invested considerable sums to close, leaving communities without vital daily services.”

Postmasters are facing the cuts as more services move to a digital-first approach.

Those who own post offices are self-employed. Post offices earned around £3 million nationwide from providing DVLA services in 2022.

The National Federation for SubPostmasters has launched a petition to prevent the government from removing services.

Calum Greenhow, chief executive of the Shoreham-based NFSP, said the decision “will have an impact on many vulnerable groups” and postmasters were committed to keeping services available.

A DVLA spokesman said: “The Post Office currently provides a limited range of DVLA’s services and an extension to the current contract has been agreed until 31 March 2024.

“We want our customers to be able to access our services as quickly and as easily as possible and the role of front office counter services will form part of the considerations of any future service offerings.”