Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Royal Mail has raised the cost of first-class stamps to £1.80, marking a 10p increase, while second-class letters now cost 91p—a 4p rise. The postal service faces backlash for missing delivery goals, with just 77% of first-class mail reaching customers within one working day, below the 93% target. This latest change adds to a series of hikes over the past five years, intensifying pressure on the company from multiple fronts.
Reasons behind the price hike
The firm cited shifting demand as a key factor, noting a decline in letter volume while the number of postal addresses has grown. Despite this, performance remains a concern, with businesses and consumers voicing frustration over the decision. The latest adjustment also includes higher fuel surcharges, effective from 3 May, with domestic rates up 5% and international surcharges rising by 5.5%.
“We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail,” said Richard Travers, Royal Mail’s managing director of letters, when announcing the increase last month.
Consumer and business impact
Dean Morris, who runs a greeting card business, highlighted worsening delivery times, which have led to reputational issues rather than direct economic losses. Customers now wait up to seven days for orders, he noted, adding that second-class mail is a popular choice for both businesses and consumers due to its affordability.
Ten years ago, first-class stamps were 64p, and second-class letters cost 55p. The current prices mean a first-class stamp is nearly three times more expensive than it was a decade ago. Consumer groups have criticized the rise, with Citizens Advice urging that price changes should reflect service performance.
Complaints and operational challenges
Recent weeks have seen increased scrutiny, including complaints from MPs and the public about postal delays. Postal workers reported being instructed to hide or move mail to meet targets, though the company claims 92% of letters are delivered on time. Owner Daniel Křetínský acknowledged the service’s imperfections but stated a plan to address the situation.
Following concerns raised by Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, about “significant failures” in the letter service, the committee wrote to Royal Mail in February, demanding improvements after reports of delays since Christmas.
