Carmichael raises mortgage issue with Post Office CEO

The issue of Post Office mortgages that are unavailable to people in Orkney and Shetland has been raised by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael with the Post Office chief executive, Paula Vennells.

His call comes after it emerged that the Post Office does not provide mortgages to people in Orkney and Shetland, but does for those in Skye. Mr Carmichael spoke to Paula Vennells earlier this week and asked her to review the policy.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “Like many people in Orkney and Shetland, I was alarmed to read that the Post Office does not provide mortgage services to Scottish isles. A public service should not deny access to people based on where they live.

“I explained this to the Post Office CEO Paula Vennells when we spoke earlier today and I have asked her to ensure that the Post Office should reconsider their approach on this issue.

“Ms Vennells was very helpful in her approach to the issue. She explained that the conditions were constructed by the Bank of Ireland who are the actual mortgage providers. The Post Office will now speak to the Bank of Ireland to see if this can be removed from their standard terms and conditions.

“Obviously nothing is yet certain but I was encouraged by the willingness to listen and to tackle the problem. I shall continue to stay in touch and to work with the Post Office to see this sorted.”