Woman takes PO plan to high court

A disabled woman is going to the High Court as part of a campaign to save her local post office.

Judy Brown is seeking a judicial review over plans to close her nearest branch in Hastings, East Sussex, claiming they discriminate against her.

She wants to challenge the government decision to exempt the Royal Mail from laws requiring public bodies to promote equality for the disabled.

Ms Brown will take her battle to the High Court on Monday.

Business Secretary John Hutton, now overseeing the controversial closure programme of 2,500 post offices, exempted Royal Mail from the Disability Equality Duty (DED) in 2006.

We believe we have applied the law correctly Department for Work and Pensions

About 45,000 public bodies are covered by the DED which is meant to ensure they pay "due regard" to the promotion of equality for disabled people in every area of their work.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said the Royal Mail was still legally required to make its services accessible to all disabled people and does not discriminate in any aspects of its work, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.

He said: "This particular case rests on specific technical legal arguments about whether certain aspects of the Disability Equality Duty - a legal duty to actively promote equality of opportunity for disabled people - apply to the Royal Mail Group.

"We believe we have applied the law correctly."

Speaking about Mrs Brown's case, he added: "The Administrative Court Judge found no arguable case against the Department for Work and Pensions.

"However, the claimant's request for an oral hearing of her application for permission will take place on 12 May and we will await the outcome of this."