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Money presenter Martin Lewis has warned people across the UK to stock up on stamps as the price of a household staple is set to increase by 30p in October
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Martin Lewis has encouraged UK households to stock up on stamps ahead of the Royal Mail price increase.
The presenter warned of the imminent 30p hike for first-class stamps coming in October, just in time for the seasonal post. The cost of sending festive wishes is set to soar as the 30p jump comes into effect on October 7.
Mr Lewis said: “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. You may as well stock up now, even if it’s just for cards for the next few Christmases.
Man people have shared their own grievances on social media. One said: “Surely there should be a limit on how much and how often they can put the price up. Another frustrated user added: “It means a first class stamp will have gone up an amazing 50% since October last year, unacceptable.
Another said: “That’s unbelievable for such a terrible service. Recently a friend sent me something by ‘first class’ delivery and it arrived a week after it was posted.
“Royal Mail are digging their own grave. Service has gone downhill over the years, whilst they complain others are taking away their business. So glad I decided not to take up their job offer a few months ago, shame as it’s a great job but the system is seriously broken.”
Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, said: “This price stamp increase couldn’t be coming at a worse time for consumers, who will now be paying more than double the price of a 1st class stamp compared to five years ago.
“Royal Mail is choosing to hike prices far beyond the rate of inflation at a time when millions continue to miss important letters, as a result of post delays. People shouldn’t be having to fork out more while experiencing such poor service.
“Ofcom should be holding Royal Mail to account, but it’s letting the company get away with setting rocketing prices in the wake of half a decade of missed delivery targets. We need the regulator to make sure reforms of our postal service put the needs of consumers first – not Royal Mail’s bottom line.”
