First-class stamp price increases to £1.80 as Royal Mail misses delivery targets

The price of a first-class stamp has increased to £1.80, with a second-class stamp now costing 91p. This rise occurs amid ongoing criticism of the postal service's failure to meet delivery targets. Royal Mail attributes the price hikes to declining letter volumes and increasing operational costs. The company is facing pressure from consumers and MPs due to its performance, with only 77% of first-class letters arriving on time against a 93% target. This is the eighth stamp price increase in five years. The cost of a first-class stamp has nearly tripled compared to a decade ago, when it was 64p.