Post Office Handles Record Cash Transactions in July
In July, the Post Office handled a record one dollar 3.7 billion in cash transactions, surpassing May, April, and December's records. With over 6,000 bank branches closed since 2015, people increasingly rely on Post Offices. Barton-upon-Humber Postmistress Mairi Wingate notes cash helps locals budget better, despite the Horizon IT scandal affecting the Post Office's reputation.
In July, the Post Office managed a record £3.7 billion in cash transactions, surpassing previous records set in May, April, and December.
The increasing reliance on the Post Office for cash handling correlates with the widespread closure of bank branches, which has seen over 6,000 closures since 2015, averaging about 50 per month.
To counteract the decline, around 70 banking hubs have been established, with expectations of reaching 100 by Christmas, offering basic banking services.
The Barton-upon-Humber Post Office, led by postmistress Mairi Wingate, serves as a critical resource for locals, enabling better budgeting through cash use.
Despite the Horizon IT scandal tarnishing the Post Office's reputation, visits remain stable at about 10 million each week.
Local customer John highlights the enduring value of cash for managing daily expenses.