Post Offices in revolt over Camelot bills move

By JEFF PRESTRIDGE, MONEY EDITOR AT LARGE
Updated: 14:30 EST, 11 April 2010

Subpostmasters fear they could go out of business if National Lottery operator Camelot is given the go-ahead for the payment of utility bills at its terminals.

The change would provide direct competition to the bill payment service offered through the Post Office's 12,000 outlets.

The proposal is being considered by the National Lottery Commission and consultation on the issue comes to an end on Monday (April 12).

Under threat: Britain's 12,000-branch Post Office network

Camelot had indicated it was in partnership with the Post Office, but last week it admitted it was not.

One subpostmaster, who wished to remain anonymous, says that he may abandon his post office services if Camelot muscles in on bill payments.

He says: 'The Post Office is doing all it can by stealth to force smaller post offices out of business.'

The Post Office says it is determined that its bill payment service will remain 'a valued service' for customers.