Royal Mail hikes cost of first class stamps by 15p to £1.25 – the third price rise in just 18 months

Brits are outraged as Royal Mail hikes the cost of a first class stamp by 15p to £1.25 – marking the third price rise in just 18 months. 

The new, increased price will come into effect on Monday. It comes after the price of a first class stamp rose by 10p to 95p in April 2022, before hitting £1.10 in April this year. 

Many have hit out at the price rise – calling it a ‘national scandal’ and ‘very sad’. 

People took to social media to express their shock at the cost, commenting ‘the Royal Mail game has well and truly gone’. 

But Royal Mail blamed ‘increasing cost pressures’ and a ‘challenging economic environment’ in the business for the decision. 

Many have been shocked by the new price hike – saying it is ‘outrageous’

Royal Mail chief commercial officer Nick Landon 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.’ 

But Charity Citizens Advice has reportedly urged Ofcom to hold Royal Mail to account over ‘rocketing prices’ despite a ‘poor service’ to households struggling with the cost of living.  

Ofcom told the Independent the Royal Mail needs to have ‘flexibility’ with stamp costs due to a ‘rapidly evolving postal market’ where people send letters less frequently but receive more parcels.

Brits were not convinced though, with one saying: ‘That’s more than the price of many birthday cards. Might just stick one on an empty envelope.’

Another wrote: ‘The cost of a first class stamp is removing the beauty of putting pen to paper. Pen and paper communication, and the nostalgia of reading letters, is being dictated by the cost of a stamp. Very sad.’ 

MailOnline has contacted the Royal Mail for comment. 

Royal Mail blamed ‘increasing cost pressures’ and a ‘challenging economic environment’ in the business for the decision

Critics have said it is removing the beauty of putting pen to paper