Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to British households, advising them to bulk-buy stamps ahead of a 10p price rise on 1st class stamps from 7 April. The cost of a first-class stamp will increase to £1.80, while second-class stamps will rise to 91p. This marks the eighth increase since 2020, representing a 137% hike over six years.
The personal finance guru explained that stamps without a printed price remain valid after a price rise, making it a savvy move to stock up now. 'For years, every time stamps go up in price I've suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance,' he said. 'A first-class letter stamp is now £1.70, soon rising to £1.80 – in 2012 it was just 60p.'
The price increase comes amid growing criticism of Royal Mail's performance. MPs have accused the company of 'lying' about its delivery targets, with Labour MP Dave Robertson claiming constituents are 'sick of being lied to'. Citizens Advice has also slammed the price rises, noting that Royal Mail last met its annual delivery target in 2019-2020.
Anne Pardoe, Head of Policy at Citizens Advice, said: 'The price of 1st and 2nd class stamps can't be treated as a dial that is turned up without a clear justification... Higher prices must come with higher standards - increases should be tied to Royal Mail's performance on the doorstep.'
In response, Royal Mail's managing director of letters, Richard Travers, stated: 'We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail. On average, UK adults now spend just £6.50 each year on stamps and there are 70% fewer letters sent than 20 years ago.'
