UK Royal Mail widens the gap between 1st and 2nd class stamps

Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services, is very disappointed
that Royal Mail has today announced that 1st class stamp prices will be
increased by 2 pence to 30 pence from next April. Postwatch has
consistently called on Royal Mail to freeze prices until they start to
achieve acceptable levels of performance.

Postwatch is also surprised that Royal Mail has chosen to widen the gap
between 1st and 2nd class stamps.

Peter Carr, Chairman of Postwatch, commenting on the price increase said:
“Once again Royal Mail is increasing revenues by asking householders and
small businesses to pay more for their stamps. These are the customers least
likely to be offered a competitive alternative. Meanwhile those most likely
to be offered a competitive alternative will see price decreases.

“Royal Mail has not yet achieved the minimum service performance for 1st
class mail expected by customers and set out in their licence. Customers
should not be asked to pay more for Royal Mail’s failure to deliver.

“We are also surprised that Royal Mail is choosing to widen the gap between
1st and 2nd class stamp prices. Perversely, this would seem to be a
deliberate attempt to encourage customers to use 2nd class stamps. And not
just at Christmas time!”

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Postwatch visit www.postwatch.co.uk or speak to
Andy Frewin on 020 7259 1223 or 07900 263 004