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It’s that time of year when we’ll all be writing our Christmas cards and making sure we get them sent off to friends and loved ones in time.
Postage doesn’t come cheap, though, and with the news Royal Mail will be increasing the price of stamps in the new year, people will be trying to increase their personal collection now while they are still the same price.
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But how much are 1st and 2nd class stamps and how much will they rise in price? Here’s what you need to know.
How much do 1st and 2nd class stamps cost?
A 1st class stamp currently costs 76p while a second class stamp costs 65p.
However, those are the prices to send a standard letter or a greetings card.
To send a large letter, A4 size, it costs £1.15 for a 1st class stamp or 88p to send it 2nd class.
Christmas stamps cost the same.
When will the prices increase?
The new prices will start on 1 January, 10 months after the last price hike in March 2020.
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Why have the prices increased again so soon?
Royal Mail said they have “considered any pricing changes very carefully” due to the coronavirus pandemic but said the rises were “necessary to help ensure the sustainability” of the universal service.
The news comes just weeks after Royal Mail revealed letter volumes have fallen 28% in the six months to September 27, compared with a year earlier.
Royal Mail said: “The reduction in letter volumes has had a significant impact on the finances of the universal service which lost £180 million in the first half of the year.
“This demonstrates the need for change in the universal service. We are working tirelessly to deliver the most comprehensive service we can in difficult circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our operation.”
How has Covid-19 affected postal services?
Royal Mail said the pandemic had cost it £85 million during the period on protective equipment, covering absences, overtime and agency staff.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “Like other companies, 2020 has been a challenging year for Royal Mail.
“Our people have worked tirelessly to keep the UK connected throughout the pandemic and associated restrictions.
“These price increases will help us continue to deliver and sustain the Universal Service in challenging circumstances.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
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