Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Royal Mail has announced another price increase for stamps, prompting backlash over its struggles to meet delivery expectations. First class postage now costs £1.80, marking a 10p rise, while second class stamps have climbed by 4p to 91p. The company cited a decline in letter volume and a surge in delivery addresses as reasons for the adjustment.
Despite these factors, many businesses and consumers have expressed frustration about the price hike, arguing it reflects poor performance. Only 77% of first class letters are delivered within one working day, falling short of the 93% target. This marks the eighth price adjustment in five years, coinciding with mounting pressure on the postal service from multiple fronts.
“Due to rising global fuel costs linked to the current situation in the Middle East, we have increased our fuel surcharge by 5% for domestic services and 5.5% for international services,” said a Royal Mail spokesperson. “This decision was not made lightly, but reflects cost pressures beyond our control.”
From 3 May, business account holders will face higher charges as fuel surcharges rise. The move comes amid reports of postal delays and scrutiny from MPs. Last month, postal workers claimed they were instructed to conceal mail to create the appearance of on-time delivery. The company defended the practice, stating 92% of letters are delivered punctually.
“We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail,” added Richard Travers, Royal Mail’s managing director of letters. “This year’s increase follows years of steady price hikes, alongside persistent delivery challenges.”
Consumer advocates have voiced concerns over the timing of the price rise. Citizens Advice criticized the decision, suggesting rates should align with service performance. The company’s CEO, Daniel Křetínský, acknowledged service imperfections but highlighted plans to address them. This follows recent questions from MPs about delays, with committee chair Liam Byrne describing the situation as “significant failures” in some regions.
Historically, a first class stamp cost 64p a decade ago, and a second class one was 55p. Today, the first class rate is nearly three times higher, reflecting years of inflation. The latest changes have intensified calls for accountability, with critics linking the financial strain to declining operational efficiency.
