Stamp prices rise - how cost of posting letter has increased over past five years

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The Royal Mail is increasing the cost of posting a standard letter both First Class and Second Class by up to 3p.

The new changes, which will be introduced next month, mean the prices of sending letters First Class has doubled in the last decade.

Which? explains the stamp prices change and looks at the increase in charges for using Royal Mail postage since 2015.

How much will First Class and Second Class postage cost now?
The price of a First Class stamp, for a standard letter weighing up to 100g, will increase by 3p from 67p to 70p.
The price of a Second Class stamp for a standard letter will rise as well by 3p from 58p to 61p.

These changes will take effect from March 25.

How has Royal Mail explained the changes?

Despite the price rises, the Royal Mail claimed its prices are ‘among the best in Europe’.

The company said in a statement: ‘Royal Mail research shows that the European average for 1 Class letters (0-100g) is 99p.

‘The UK 1 Class stamp price comes in at below this price. ‘The European average for 2 Class letters (0-100g) is 77p, and the UK 2 Class stamp price remains below this.

‘Royal Mail understands that many companies and households are finding it hard in the current economic environment. ‘As a result, we have considered any pricing changes very carefully and in doing so have sought to minimise any impact on our customers.’

How stamp prices have increased every year Since 2015 when the cost of a First Class stamp was 63p and a Second Class stamp 54p, the price of posting letters has increased every year.

The 2019 increase of 3p was the largest rise in stamp prices in the past five years. Postage costs have more than doubled in the past decade. The cost of a First Class stamp for a standard letter weighing up to 100g was 34p in 2007.