Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Royal Mail has announced a new price hike for its first-class stamps, raising the cost to £1.80. This marks a 10p increase, while second class letters now cost 91p—a 4p jump. The company attributes these changes to a shift in customer behavior, citing a decline in letter volume alongside a rise in address numbers. Despite this, businesses and consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, even as the postal service struggles to meet its delivery benchmarks.
Delivery targets remain unmet
Only 77% of first class letters are delivered within one working day, falling short of the 93% target. This is the eighth price adjustment in five years, occurring amid mounting pressures on Royal Mail. Recent weeks have seen complaints from MPs and the public regarding service delays, with some alleging that postal workers are being instructed to conceal mail to meet performance metrics. The company has defended its approach, stating that 92% of letters are delivered on time.
Fuel surcharges and historical context
Starting 3 May, Royal Mail raised its fuel surcharge by 5% for domestic services and 5.5% for international ones. This comes as energy costs have surged due to the Iran war. A decade ago, first class stamps were 64p, and second class ones were 55p. Today, the first class rate is nearly triple its former price, sparking frustration among users.
“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 adjustment last month.
Impact on businesses and customer experience
Dean Morris, owner of a greeting card business, highlighted slower and less reliable delivery times in recent years. While the economic impact has been minimal, reputational damage has grown, with customers waiting six to seven days for orders. “Sometimes it feels like second class is literally the last thing Royal Mail look at, in preference to parcels,” Morris noted. “But many online retailers rely on it for affordability.”
Criticism and calls for accountability
Consumer groups have voiced anger over the price hikes, linking them to poor performance. Citizens Advice recently urged that price rises should be tied to service improvements. In February, MPs questioned Royal Mail about ongoing delays, with the Business and Trade Committee describing postal areas as chaotic since Christmas. Owner Daniel Křetínský acknowledged the service’s imperfections but emphasized plans to address the issues.
