Retail Network Transition – Protecting Postal Services
Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is evolving its Island-wide retail counter network to protect postal services for the long term.
Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is evolving its Island-wide retail counter network to protect postal services for the long term. From 1st April 2026, some services will be delivered differently to reflect how they are used today and to ensure they remain accessible, reliable, and sustainable across the Island. Postal services will continue to be available in communities, and we are sharing clear information in advance so you know what to expect.
What This Means for You
From 1st April 2026:
- Your local area will continue to have access to postal services.
- You can still pay by cash or card at counters.
- Many locations will offer longer opening hours through retail partners.
- Bill payments and certain agency services will be available at five hub locations.
These changes are designed to protect Island‑wide postal services for the long term.
Why We Are Making These Changes
IOMPO is evolving its retail network to reflect how services are used today and to ensure they remain sustainable in the future.
This follows:
- Changes in how customers choose to access services
- The withdrawal of vehicle and driving licence services from the end of March 2026
- Regulatory requirements affecting how agency services can be delivered
Our focus is clear: keep postal services accessible in communities across the Island while ensuring they remain reliable and financially sustainable.
How Postal Services Will Be Delivered
From April 2026, postal services will continue to be delivered through local retail partners across the Island. The services available at each location will reflect the needs of the community it serves, ensuring that everyday postal access remains close to home, while a wider range of services is available where demand is higher.
In Willaston, Union Mills, and Royal Avenue, counters will focus on the services most frequently used by residents, such as sending standard letters and parcels, buying stamp booklets, and dropping off prepaid items.
Across the Island, other Post Office locations will continue to offer the full range of postal services, including tracked and signed-for options, Special Delivery, Parcelforce, and international services.
This approach ensures that every community retains access to postal services, with additional services provided in locations where they are most needed.
In central Onchan and Foxdale, where current providers have chosen not to continue, we are working to secure new alternative solutions. Our priority throughout is to maintain continuity of service for local residents.
Agency Counter Services
Three agency services will continue to be delivered by IOMPO:
- Payment Exception Service (formerly MiCard)
- Bill payments
- Treasury cheque encashment
From 1 April 2026, these services will be available at:
- Douglas Post Office
- Peel Post Office
- Port Erin Post Office
- Castletown Post Office
- Ramsey Post Office
Concentrating these services ensures trained staff can provide consistent and compliant support for those in our community who need it.
Foreign exchange services will continue at these five locations as well as at Postal Headquarters in Braddan. Castletown Post Office will offer foreign exchange for the first time.
Your Options
You can choose to access postal services the way that suits you best:
- Visit your local counter
- Use Online Postage and book free doorstep collection
- Drop off prepaid items at participating locations
- Use self‑service kiosks for standard letter and large letter services
Opening hours vary by retailer. Many locations will provide longer daily access than traditional post office counters. Up‑to‑date location details and opening times will be available in March.
Supporting Communities Through Change
We understand that change can raise questions. That is why we are sharing this information in advance of April 2026.
As customer needs continue to evolve, we will keep the network under review to ensure services remain relevant and accessible across the Island.
Press Releases
Related Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Are post offices being closed?
No. Postal services remain available across the Island. Many locations will offer longer opening hours aligned with their host retailers. Postage can also be purchased online (24/7), with a free doorstep collection service.
Why will Willaston, Union Mills and Royal Avenue only offer core services?
These locations have low demand for more complex transactions (such as international parcel and non-standard services). Focusing on the services residents use most helps keep local access sustainable.
Why are Onchan and Foxdale changing provider?
The retail partners whom currently provide services on behalf of IOMPO have chosen not to continue. IOMPO will follow a compliant procurement process to find alternative solutions, seeking to maintain continuity of access.
What improvements are being made to postal services?
Longer opening hours, access aligned with retail opening times, and along with further improvements to 24/7 digital services, including our Online Postage and free doorstep collection service.
Which agency services are changing?
From 1st April 2026, Foreign Exchange, Payment Exception Service (previously MiCard), bill payments and Treasury cheque encashment will be provided from five post office locations. Driving license and vehicle services will be withdrawn following a Department of Infrastructure decision.
Which five Post Office locations will provide the agency services?
- Douglas, Strand Street
- Peel, Atholl Street
- Port Erin, Church Road
- Castletown, The Parade
- Ramsey, Parliament Street
Why are agency services being moved to five locations?
The changes are being introduced to meet regulatory requirements following a Financial Services Authority (FSA) review of Isle of Man Post Office services covered by the Anti Money Laundering (AML) Code. Reducing the number of access points and the operational hours for these agency services, ensures that customers continue to be supported by trained staff operating in fully compliant environments.
What options are available if I cannot travel?
Most agency payments can be made by direct debit, phone, online, post or at the operators own counters. The Treasury Payment Exception Service (formerly MiCard) allows pension and benefit recipients to nominate a proxy to collect on their behalf.
Why is there a £650 limit on bill payments?
This is required under updated FSA guidance on AML compliance. The vast majority of Bill Payments made at post office counters fall below this limit.
How will people who need face‑to‑face help be supported?
Trained staff at the five designated locations will continue to offer support in person.
Why are vehicle and driving licence services stopping?
This is a decision made by the Department of Infrastructure.
Will any Post Office staff be affected?
These changes will alter how some services are staffed. We have well‑established employee union agreed processes for managing change fairly and respectfully, ensuring affected employees are fully supported.
Are the changes a cost saving exercise?
No, the retail network has always been operated on a commercial footing. The changes to the retail network are driven by changing customer needs, as customers enjoy access to a greater and more convenient range of services channels, and compliance requirements. As agency transactions decline and are withdrawn, so does the related income. IOMPO must continue to act responsibly, ensuring appropriate reinvestment to develop and improve access to community postal services for its customers.
Were the public consulted?
These changes arise from Government decisions and regulatory compliance rather than IOMPO policy changes.
