Do you know the price of a postage stamp?

The ​price of stamps for a standard letter up to 100g will rise by 1p on 29 March. The cost of a first class stamp will increase to 64p, and the cost of second class will rise to 55p.

In addition, Royal Mail will increase the price of sending small and medium parcels by 5p and 6p respectively. The price increases for parcels will apply only to people using post offices; customers purchasing online will see no price rise.

Previously there has been no price difference between purchasing Royal Mail postage in a post office and online. The differential in price is currently small and only affects a limited proportion of Royal Mail services; but it sets a new precedent which is an issue of concern. Many consumer organisations are worried about the impact of online and offline price differentials on consumers who are unable or less able to access online services.

The price differential may also impact on post offices, as any increased use of the online channel could lead to a drop in mail services purchased in post offices, reducing post offices’ income and footfall. Citizens Advice will monitor these wider impacts on consumers.

Citizens Advice has raised concerns with Royal Mail about the complexity of Royal Mail prices. It will be continuing to press for a simpler tariff structure for consumers.