Tynwald members have backed a programme to modernise postal services in the island, despite concerns it was a ’blueprint for managed decline’.

Amendments tabled by Speaker Juan Watterson and Tim Baker (Ayre and Michael) both failed to get enough support in the house leaving chairman of the Post Office Julie Edge’s motion to pass.

The modernisation of the postal service is centred around six principles that will guide the Post Office as attempts to turn around the loss making business continue.

As a result of the motion, the Post Office must:

â?¢ Remain financially efficient, managing costs in line with revenues, supporting the overall aim of remaining financially self-sustaining

â?¢ Ensure 96% of island residents live within three miles of a service access point for postal services, with a postal service access point in each constituency

â?¢ Ensure postal service access points are accessible, e.g. main bus routes, with ample parking and disabled access

â?¢ Where financially viable, will continue to seek opportunities to provide new retail services

â?¢ Innovate and improve how postal services are provided, in efficient, financially responsible ways that satisfy the changing needs of its customers

â?¢ Adopt a formal consultation process, engaging constituent politicians, local government, third sector organisations and special interest groups before changing a service method or removing a service access point.

While the social aspect of the Post Office with 96% island coverage and ensuring those who wish to access its service can do so, was supported, the larger emphasis was placed on the company’s economic position.

One of the biggest critics of the plan was Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) who said the proposals, in particular two, three and six were ’intentionally vague’.

Mr Robertshaw told members that voting for the proposals was like ’signing up for a magical mystery tour’ and that the demand driven core of the plans was ’code for managed decline’.

His words were echoed by Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) who said: ’Unfortunately in this Tynwald there have been a number of reports which have been rather depressing and I’m sorry to say this is one of them.

’As the previous speaker [Mr Robertshaw] said, this was meant to be a strategic recommendation on modernising the Isle of Man Post Office retail network.

’And yet all it is, is as Mr Robertshaw suggested, a blueprint for decline.’

In her closing statement, Ms Edge said ’Isle of Man Post Office will not be closing post offices or sub post offices’.

Addressing Mr Robertshaw, she added: ’Demand driven, will be driven by the demands put to us. I know a number of members have commented that we’re not going out, we’re not looking for business.

’I can assure you that Isle of Man Post Office goes to tender for opportunity put in front of it.’

Ms Edge admitted that the Post Office doesn’t win as many tenders as she’d like but that the changes made will improve that situation.

She also denied that the plans represent a blueprint for decline as Dr Allinson suggested. The plans were voted through unamended with MHKs voting 17-7 in favour and MLCs 7-2.