Corporatisation offers 'opportunities and safeguards'

A report which recommends landmark change for the Isle of Man Post Office goes before Tynwald tomorrow.

Proposals to corporatise the organisation would change the current status of the Post Office from a statutory board to a limited company.

An independent report commissioned by the government says greater commercial freedom would allow the Post Office to become more competitive and expand.

Its author Elmar Toime says concerns about its role competing in the private sector can be dealt with by the Island's Office of Fair Trading.

He has also offered reassurance over the potential loss of services and closure of post office branches as political control is loosened.

The postal services consultant says if corporatised, the Post Office would remain under the ultimate control of government, which as sole shareholder, could insist that less profitable local services are retained. 

Mr Toime says it's important to keep sight of the overall aim of the change: