Royal Mail has confirmed that stamp prices will rise again, marking the fourth increase in the past two years for first-class letter postage.
Effective from 2nd April, the price of a first-class stamp will climb by 10p to £1.35, while second-class stamps will also see a 10p hike to 85p.
The decision comes amidst warnings from the loss-making firm regarding the impact of escalating costs and dwindling demand for traditional letter deliveries. Recent reports have shed light on the challenges faced by the company in maintaining efficient delivery services.
The upcoming second-class stamp price of 85p will now match what it cost to send a first-class letter at the beginning of 2022, illustrating the significant price adjustments in a relatively short period.
Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained the rationale behind the price changes, citing a substantial decline in letter volumes alongside rising operational costs. With letter volumes plummeting from 20 billion to seven billion, Royal Mail is compelled to adapt its network and delivery processes to the evolving landscape.
Landon highlighted the strain on postal workers, who now cover significantly longer distances to deliver fewer letters, driving up delivery costs per letter.
Despite the impending price hikes, Royal Mail noted that the average adult spends less than £7 annually on stamped letters, with individuals now receiving an average of two letters per week. The company emphasized that stamp costs remain below European averages.
Royal Mail’s financial struggles, culminating in a £419 million loss last year, have underscored the urgency for reforms, particularly regarding the Universal Service Obligation (USO). This mandate requires Royal Mail to deliver letters to all 32 million UK addresses six days a week.
While parcel deliveries have surged in popularity and profitability for Royal Mail, the sustainability of the letter delivery model has been called into question. Ofcom, the regulatory authority, has advocated for reforms to modernize the postal service, suggesting potential changes such as reducing delivery days or extending delivery times.
Consumer groups have criticised the latest price increases, particularly amidst ongoing concerns about delayed deliveries. Morgan Wild of Citizens Advice highlighted the disconnect between rising prices and unreliable service, calling for regulatory intervention to hold Royal Mail accountable for its performance and pricing decisions.