A revolutionary new programme - Your Guide - will transform local Post Offices into hi-tech information centres, with advice available at the touch of a button.
Your Guide is a new interactive programme that will allow Post Office customers immediate access to an extensive range of local and national information and services - all free of charge. For the pilot the subjects that have been selected include jobs, benefits, retirement, transport and local information.
Using the latest touch-screen technology, coupled with assistance from trained Consignia staff and sub postmasters, customers will be able to access guidance on a range of issues from jobs and training to benefits and entitlements.
The Your Guide service is to be piloted across Leicestershire and Rutland over the next six months. The service is a £29 million jointly funded initiative between Government and Consignia.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said:
"The Government is committed to seeing thriving, profitable Post Offices and to improving accessibility to Government information and services."
"I am looking forward to seeing what customers across Leicestershire and Rutland think of the new service. Their views will help us develop the system for the whole of the UK."
Consignia is fitting 50 units a week in the region and plans to have 267 Post Offices providing the service by the end of August. The pilot programme will be thoroughly evaluated early next year, with a view to a UK-wide rollout.
Your Guide also demonstrates Government's commitment to the 'Modernising Government' vision - to improve the delivery of Government information and services to all by joining up content, providing easier access and bringing the benefits of new technology to all.
