Royal Mail has raised stamp prices again despite missing delivery targets, prompting criticism from businesses, consumers and lawmakers.
A first-class stamp now costs £1.80, up 10p, while a second-class stamp has risen by 4p to 91p, according to the BBC. Royal Mail said the increases reflect falling letter volumes and a growing number of delivery addresses.
The latest rise, the eighth in five years, comes as only 77% of first-class letters are delivered within one working day, below a 93% target, the BBC said.
Business customers will also face higher charges from May, with fuel surcharges rising by 5% for domestic and 5.5% for international services, which the company attributed to higher energy costs related to the Iran war.
Consumer groups including Citizens Advice have criticised the move, saying price increases should be tied to performance. Second-class stamp prices are regulated by Ofcom and rise with inflation.
Royal Mail managing director of letters Richard Travers said the company carefully balances affordability with rising delivery costs, according to the report.
Businesses say service has worsened, with greeting card retailer Dean Morris telling BBC Breakfast that deliveries have become slower and less consistent, and customers often chase orders nearly a week after posting.
Growing scrutiny of the company, including complaints from MPs and allegations by postal workers that they were asked to move or hide mail to meet targets—claims Royal Mail said it takes “very seriously.”
Owner Daniel Křetínský acknowledged the service was not perfect but said there were plans to improve performance.
A decade ago, first-class stamps cost 64p and second-class 55p, meaning current first-class prices are now nearly three times higher.
