Arabic version: زيادة سعر طابع البريد الأول إلى 1.80 جنيه إسترليني

The price of a first class stamp now costs £1.80 – an increase of 10p – while a second class letter has risen by 4p to 91p. This price hike comes as Royal Mail faces criticism for failing to meet its delivery targets. According to BBC News, only 77% of first class letters are delivered within one working day, falling short of the target of 93%.

Royal Mail attributes the price increases to a decline in letter volumes, despite a growing number of addresses. This is the eighth increase in five years, and many businesses and consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, particularly given the company’s recent performance issues.

The postal service has also faced complaints from MPs and the public regarding its letter service. Royal Mail staff reported being instructed to hide mail to present a facade of meeting delivery targets, a claim the company takes seriously. Despite this, Royal Mail asserts that 92% of letters are delivered on time.

In addition to the stamp price increases, business account holders will see higher charges next month due to rising energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Royal Mail’s managing director of letters, Richard Travers, emphasized that price changes are considered carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail.

Consumer advocacy groups, including Citizens Advice, have criticized the price increases, suggesting they should be tied to the company’s performance. Royal Mail’s owner, Daniel Křetínský, acknowledged the service’s imperfections during a recent parliamentary inquiry and stated that he has a plan to address the ongoing issues with postal delays.