Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80

Price of First Class Stamp Rises to £1.80

Stamps have seen another price hike, with the postal service under scrutiny for missing delivery deadlines. The cost of a first class stamp has climbed to £1.80, marking a 10p increase, while second class letters now cost 91p—a 4p rise. Royal Mail cited the need for these adjustments, noting that fewer letters are being sent compared to the past, yet the number of addresses continues to grow. Despite this, businesses and customers are voicing dissatisfaction with the decision, even though the company’s performance has been questioned.

Just 77% of first class letters are delivered within one working day, falling short of the 93% target. This is the eighth price adjustment in five years, coinciding with mounting pressure on the postal service from multiple directions. Recent weeks have brought criticism from MPs and the public, highlighting concerns about delayed deliveries and inconsistent service. In addition, business account holders will soon face higher fees due to the Iran conflict’s impact on energy costs. Royal Mail has raised its fuel surcharge by 5% for domestic services and 5.5% for international services, effective 3 May, stating the change was made after careful consideration.

Ten years ago, first class stamps cost 64p, and second class ones were 55p. The current prices indicate a nearly threefold increase over that period. Royal Mail’s managing director of letters, Richard Travers, remarked last month:

“We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail.”

Dean Morris, a greeting cards business owner, described delivery times as increasingly erratic. He noted that customers are now waiting up to seven days for orders, citing reputational damage rather than economic strain as the primary effect.

Consumer advocacy groups have expressed frustration over the stamp price hikes, linking them to Royal Mail’s subpar delivery performance. Citizens Advice recently urged that price changes should reflect service quality. Meanwhile, postal workers across the UK have shared concerns with the BBC, alleging they were directed to relocate or conceal mail to create the illusion of meeting targets. Royal Mail defended the claims, asserting that 92% of letters are delivered on time. In March, MPs questioned Royal Mail executives about ongoing delays, with owner Daniel Křetínský acknowledging the service’s imperfections but promising a strategy to address them.