Royal Mail has announced another increase in stamp prices, with the cost of a first-class stamp rising by 5p to £1.70 from 7 April. The price of a second-class stamp will also increase by 2p to 87p on the same day.
The latest price hike follows a continued decline in the volume of letters sent in the UK. Royal Mail reports that the number of letters delivered annually has dropped from a peak of 20 billion in 2004-05 to just 6.6 billion last year.
A Pattern of Rising Costs
Despite the decline in mail volume, stamp prices have steadily risen. Since 2022, the cost of a first-class stamp has increased five times, jumping from 85p to £1.65 before the upcoming rise to £1.70.
Royal Mail’s Justification
A spokesperson for Royal Mail defended the price increases, stating:
The new prices will take effect from 7 April 2025.
