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Ahead of an imminent 22 per cent price hike for first-class stamps increasing to £1.65 on October 7, money guru Martin Lewis has shared some savvy advice with UK households. The Money Saving Expert (MSE) has alerted the public that this rise will not only affect stamp prices but also Royal Mail’s various other services including ‘Signed For’, ‘Special Delivery Guaranteed’ and ‘Tracked’ services as well as parcel charges.
Martin Lewis recommended: “For years, every time stamps go up in price I’ve suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance, as provided the stamp doesn’t have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it’s still valid after the hike. So you may as well stock up now, even if it’s just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases.”
To avoid falling into the trap of purchasing counterfeit stamps when stocking up ahead of the price increase, MSE advises buying from trusted high street stores and keeping the receipt. Stamps can also be bought directly from Royal Mail’s online store, with free delivery offered on orders over £50.
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Additionally, MSE mentioned that “In April, Royal Mail paused the £5 penalty for anyone who receives a letter with a fake stamp on it while it takes fresh action against counterfeits. However, you may still be charged if you use a counterfeit stamp when sending something.”, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The firm has confirmed that the price of second class stamps will stay at 85p, as they are currently capped until 2029 to keep letter sending affordable. Royal Mail stated it has strived to keep price hikes as minimal as possible amidst falling letter volumes and inflationary pressures.
This week, Ofcom suggested that Royal Mail could be permitted to cease Saturday deliveries for second class letters as part of a service revamp.
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