Martin Lewis Urges Public to Stock Up on Stamps Before April Price Hike
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a timely warning, advising Britons to stock up on stamps before a scheduled price increase takes effect in April. The financial expert highlighted that this strategy can lead to significant savings, as stamp prices continue to climb steadily over the years.
Details of the Upcoming Stamp Price Increases
From April 7, 2026, Royal Mail will implement new pricing for postal services. First class stamps will see a 10p increase, rising from £1.70 to £1.80. Meanwhile, second class stamps will go up by 4p, moving from 87p to 91p. This adjustment marks another step in the ongoing trend of rising postal costs.
Martin Lewis's Money-Saving Advice
In an article published on MoneySavingExpert.com, Martin Lewis explained his rationale for bulk buying. He stated, "For years, every time stamps go up in price I've suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance, as provided the stamp doesn't have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it's still valid after the rise."
Lewis emphasized the effectiveness of this approach by pointing out the dramatic increase in stamp prices over time. He noted, "This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now £1.70, soon rising to £1.80 – in 2012 it was just 60p. So you may as well stock up now if you’re going to need stamps."
Royal Mail's Justification for the Price Rise
Royal Mail has attributed the price hike to the rising cost of delivery, driven by a combination of factors. The company reported that letter volumes have fallen significantly, while the number of addresses it serves has increased. Richard Travers, Royal Mail managing director of letters, commented, "We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail."
Supporting data reveals that UK adults now spend an average of just £6.50 each year on stamps, with 70% fewer letters sent compared to two decades ago. Concurrently, the number of delivery addresses has grown by four million, reaching a total of 32 million across the UK.
Recent Changes to Royal Mail Services
This price increase follows other recent modifications to Royal Mail's operations. Last year, the company received approval from Ofcom to discontinue Saturday deliveries for second class post. Additionally, second class mail will now be delivered on alternate weekdays only, rather than the previous six-day-a-week schedule.
These adjustments reflect the evolving landscape of postal services, as Royal Mail adapts to changing consumer habits and economic pressures. The advice from Martin Lewis serves as a practical reminder for individuals to plan ahead and mitigate the impact of rising costs on their household budgets.
