The Greater London Authority (GLA) has lodged papers at the High Court today seeking a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision to close 169 London post offices.
The threat of a review was first made by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone last month. The action is based on a belief by the GLA that the Post Office allowed inadequate time for a full consultation on the closures.
If the review is successful Post Office Limited would be required to extend the consultation period.
A GLA pokesperson said “We are committed to using all the legal and statutory powers we have available to us to fight this programme of post office closures in London.”
“Post offices closures have had a disproportionate effect on London. The action that is being taken today at the High Court is to protect local people and local communities and reflects our commitment to act promptly on behalf of Londoners.”
In a statement issued by his election campaign Mr Livingstone said “I took the decision to take legal action and seek a judicial review because I believe post offices are a vital part of the communities they serve.
‘Post offices are relied on by hundreds of thousands of Londoners in inner and outer London, especially the elderly, disabled and those with young children.
I will fight the proposals to close 169 London post offices all the way. We need more post Offices in the capital, not cuts and closures.”
