Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Royal Mail has announced new stamp prices, sparking backlash over its inconsistent delivery standards. The cost of a first-class stamp has climbed to £1.80, up by 10p, while second-class postage now stands at 91p—a 4p increase. This comes amid growing scrutiny of the postal service’s ability to meet its delivery goals.
The company cited the decline in letter volume contrasts with a growing number of delivery addresses as justification for the price hikes. However, businesses and customers alike have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the price increases are not aligned with the service’s performance. For instance, only 77% of first-class letters meet the one-day delivery benchmark, falling short of the 93% target.
Recent weeks have seen Royal Mail receiving multiple complaints from both MPs and the public regarding its letter delivery performance. The latest adjustment marks the eighth price change in five years, escalating concerns about its operational efficiency. In February, the Business and Trade Committee raised alarms, calling the postal service’s performance “chaotic” in certain areas since Christmas.
“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.
The charity Citizens Advice has joined critics, urging that price rises should directly reflect service improvements. Meanwhile, postal workers across the UK reported being pressured to conceal letters from senior management to create the illusion of meeting delivery targets. Royal Mail defended its efforts, stating that 92% of letters are delivered on time, though it acknowledges the challenges.
Owners of the postal service, including Daniel Křetínský, have admitted shortcomings but emphasized their commitment to addressing the issues. The current price hike also affects business accounts, with additional charges starting next month due to rising energy expenses tied to the Iran conflict.
Looking back, a first-class stamp cost 64p a decade ago, and second-class postage was 55p. The cumulative effect of these changes has intensified calls for accountability, as the service continues to grapple with balancing cost and reliability.
