DVLA services will remain in Post Offices - and a Malvern postmistress said it is excellent news.

The Government had announced that DVLA services such as paying car tax or applying for a new licence would be removed from Post Office branches in March 2024.

A petition by the National Federation of Subpostmasters (NFSP) was signed by more than 100,000 people and delivered to Downing Street by subpostmasters including Jenny Cain, who runs the Post Office in Barnards Green.

The DVLA and the Post Office have now signed a new contract - a one-year rolling contract for up to three years, with both parties having to agree at the end of each year if the contract will continue for the following year.

The contract will start from Monday, April 1, 2024. International Driving Permits are not included in the new contract and are subject to a separate procurement exercise, the outcome of which is expected early next year.

Miss Cain said: “What absolutely fantastic news both for postmasters and for the general public.

“A very sensible decision that will mean access to all for such an important service.

“I would now call on the DVLA to reinstate the option to pay at a post office on the back of the reminder letter and actively promote the renewed relationship.

“We look forward to letting all our customers know the good news and welcoming them into branch.”

Tim Allen, a postmaster in Kington, Herefordshire, also attended Downing Street in November.

He said: “When so many people are involved in a campaign like this it’s hard to know where the credit lies but the power of the petition and the signature of the individual are clearly alive and well when the cause is important enough.

“Let’s hope we see DVLA reminders, with the Post Office as a means to pay, reinstated on them in the next few weeks to wipe away the shame of their removal in the first place.

“I look forward to spreading the news to our customers and more people than ever taxing their vehicles with us.”