Warning over Royal Mail price rises as stamps to cost £1.25 from today

Royal Mail has increased the prices of its stamps from today as costs have risen by 14%.

The price of a first-class stamp for standard size letters has increased by 15p from £1.10 to £1.25. It’s the second time stamp prices have changed in 2023. Other price hikes include first-class stamp for large letters from £1.60 to £1.95, and second-class stamps for large letters increasing from £1.15 to £1.55.

However, second-class stamps for standard letters will remain at their current price of 75p.

Royal Mail has a full list of price changes – which also includes increases to “Signed For” and “Special Delivery Guarantee” services – on its website.

Royal Mail blames the latest hikes on the increasing cost pressures and universal service obligation. This currently requires it to deliver letters to all UK addresses six days a week.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail said: “We understand the economic challenges that many of our customers are currently facing and have considered the price changes very carefully in light of the significant decline in letter volumes. Letter volumes have reduced dramatically over recent years, down more than 60% from their peak in 2004/5 and 30% since the pandemic. It is vital that the Universal Service adapts to reflect this new reality.”

It comes after Royal Mail replaced traditional stamps with ones that feature barcodes – these enable the sender to scan the parcel and watch a video online. As of August 1, a letter or large letter posted with a non-barcode stamp will be charged a fee of £1.10.

Those receiving mail sent using non-barcoded stamps will be given a “Fee to Pay”‘ card telling them they must pay the surcharge. The only stamps you can continue to use are “special stamps” issued to commemorate anniversaries and events, as well as Christmas stamps.

If you still have some old stamps, you can exchange them through the Royal Mail “Swap Out” scheme. To do this, you’ll need to download a “Swap Out” form on the Royal Mail website, call up Royal Mail on 03457 740740, or pick up a form from a local delivery office or Post Office.

Royal Mail stamp price rises from today

• First – Standard £1.25 (up from £1.10)
• First – Large £1.95 (up from £1.60)
• Second – Standard 75p (no change)
• Second – Standard £1.55 (up from £1.15)

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