Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80
Stamp Prices Increase to £1.80 Amid Delivery Concerns
Stamps prices have climbed once more, prompting backlash against the postal service’s missed delivery goals. The latest adjustment sees a first class stamp now priced at £1.80—a 10p rise—while second class letters increase by 4p to 91p. Royal Mail has cited shifting customer behavior as a key factor, noting fewer traditional letters are being sent while address numbers continue to grow.
Over the past five years, this marks the eighth consecutive price hike. The company argues that these changes are essential to offset operational costs, particularly as the cost of energy rises due to the Iran conflict. Effective 3 May, Royal Mail raised its fuel surcharge by 5% for domestic services and 5.5% for international routes, emphasizing that the decision was made after careful consideration.
A Decade of Cost Growth
Ten years ago, a first class stamp cost 64p, and a second class one was 55p. Today’s rates mean the first class price is nearly triple what it was during that time. The company’s managing director of letters, Richard Travers, stated:
“We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail.”
Meanwhile, businesses like Dean Morris’s greeting card operation have noted slower and inconsistent delivery times. Morris remarked that the service’s decline has primarily affected reputation rather than profits, with customers waiting up to seven days for their orders. “Second class is often the last priority for Royal Mail, but many online retailers rely on it because it’s a budget-friendly option for both us and our clients,” he added.
Public and Political Criticism
Recent weeks have brought mounting complaints from MPs and the public about Royal Mail’s letter service. In March, parliamentary questions highlighted ongoing postal delays, with the company’s owner, Daniel Křetínský, acknowledging the service is not flawless but expressing confidence in a proposed solution. The Business and Trade Committee’s chair, Liam Byrne, voiced concern over “significant failures” reported in some areas since Christmas.
Earlier this month, postal workers across the UK revealed they were being directed to redistribute mail to meet targets, a practice the company called “very serious.” Despite claiming 92% of letters are delivered on time, the service’s performance has fallen short of its 93% goal for first class deliveries. Consumer advocacy groups, including Citizens Advice, have also criticized the price hikes, calling for a direct link between cost increases and service improvements.
