A first-class stamp will cost 41p, while a second-class stamp will cost consumers 32p.

Royal Mail has announced that the price of stamps will rise by two pence in April.

A first-class stamp will cost 41p while a second-class stamp will cost consumers 32p, with the rise a penny lower than that agreed in principle by the watchdog Postcomm.

Royal Mail says the increase is necessary to maintain the universal parcel delivery services it currently offers.

Robert Hammond, postal expert at Consumer Focus, said the company needs to improve otherwise members of the public could turn to Post Office alternatives for their parcel delivery needs.

"Unless Royal Mail begin to deliver efficiencies through their modernisation programme and better industrial relations then consumers will rightly start to lose patience with Royal Mail," he added.

Alex Smith, commercial director at the company, said that prices remain good value for money and are lower than the European average.

Royal Mail has revealed that around five per cent of its parcel deliveries have been delayed due to the adverse weather conditions currently affecting the UK.

Posted by Sarah Gower


Article Added: 24/12/2009 09:22:01