Royal Mail has faced criticism after announcing another increase in the cost of postage stamps, with the price of a first-class stamp set to rise to £1.80 from April.
The price increase comes amid ongoing concerns about delivery performance and service reliability across the UK postal system.
From 7 April, the cost of a first-class stamp will increase by 10p, bringing the price to £1.80. Second-class stamps will also rise by 4p, reaching 91p.
Royal Mail said the price changes were necessary due to rising operational costs and the long-term decline in letter volumes.
Richard Travers, managing director of letters at Royal Mail, said the company must balance affordability with the cost of delivering mail.
“We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail,” he said.
“There are 70% fewer letters sent than 20 years ago. In the meantime, the number of addresses we deliver to has increased by 4 million to 32 million across the UK.”
Consumer group Citizens Advice criticised the decision, arguing customers are being asked to pay more despite ongoing service issues.
Anne Pardoe, the charity’s head of policy, said the price increases were difficult to justify.
“The price of stamps can’t be treated as a dial that is turned up without a clear justification for consumers, forcing people to dig deeper into their pockets for a failing service.”
Pardoe also pointed out that the price of a first-class stamp has risen sharply in recent years.
Citizens Advice said the cost has increased by 137% since 2020, while second-class stamps have risen by 40% over the same period.
The criticism follows action by the communications regulator Ofcom, which fined Royal Mail £21 million last year for failing to meet delivery targets.
It marked the third time the regulator had penalised the postal operator.
“More than half a decade has gone by since the company met its delivery targets and people still face a gamble, with many uncertain if their important documents or letters, like medical appointments, will arrive on time,” Pardoe said.
Recent regulatory changes have also relaxed Royal Mail’s universal service obligations.
Under new rules approved by Ofcom, the company now only has to deliver second-class post on alternate weekdays rather than six days a week.
Delivery performance targets have also been reduced, requiring 90% of first-class mail to arrive within one working day and 95% of second-class mail within three days.
Citizens Advice warned that the situation could worsen as these changes take effect.
“Things only risk getting worse when cuts to delivery days and reduced performance targets come into full effect,” Pardoe said.
“Against this backdrop, Ofcom simply cannot wave through these increases any longer. Higher prices must come with higher standards.”
Research by Citizens Advice found that around 16 million people experienced delays to Christmas letters and parcels last year, adding to public frustration with the service.
The price increase comes after the £3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, raising further scrutiny over the future of the UK’s postal system.