Royal Mail to increase stamp prices from April 7

Business & FinancePersonal Finance
12 Mar 2026 • 12:38 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Royal Mail is set to increase stamp prices from April 7, with a first-class stamp rising by 10p to £1.80 and a second-class stamp by 4p to 91p.
  • This latest hike means first-class stamp prices have more than doubled over the past six years, increasing by 137 per cent through eight separate rises.
  • Money expert Martin Lewis has advised households to stock up on stamps now, as those without a price printed on them will remain valid after the increase.
  • The price rises come amid growing concerns over Royal Mail's performance, as the postal service admitted it failed to meet delivery targets again last month.
  • Royal Mail attributes the increases to rising delivery costs, falling letter volumes, and an increase in the number of addresses, while also pushing for universal service reforms.

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