Martin Lewis urges UK households to 'stock up' on £1.65 essentials before October
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert has issued a warning about an impending stamp price increase on October 7. The team at MSE, led by the BBC and ITV star, have detailed how the cost of first-class stamps is set to surge by a whopping 22 per cent from next month.
However, MSE assures that there's a way to outsmart this rise. The prices for many of Royal Mail's 'Signed For', 'Special Delivery Guaranteed' and 'Tracked' services will also see an upswing from Monday, October 7, as will the costs for sending parcels via first and second class, reports Birmingham Live.
Martin advised: "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 hike.
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"The price will escalate to £1.65. MSE stated: "So you may as well stock up now, even if it's just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases. " MSE further added: "If you stock up on stamps now, be careful to avoid fakes.
Buy from reputable high street outlets and, where possible, hang onto your receipt. Stamps are also available directly from the Royal Mail online shop (though here you need to spend at least £50 to get free delivery).
""In April, Royal Mail paused the £5 penalty for anyone who receives a letter with a fake stamp on it while it takes fresh action against counterfeits. However, you may still be charged if you use a counterfeit stamp when sending something," it clarified.
The firm has affirmed that the price of second class stamps will stay at 85p, as these are presently capped until 2029 in a bid to keep letter sending affordable. Royal Mail stated it has endeavoured to keep price hikes as minimal as possible amidst falling letter volumes and inflationary pressures.
This week, Ofcom suggested that Royal Mail could be permitted to cease Saturday deliveries for second class letters as part of a service revamp.