Martin Lewis is urging people to stock up on first class stamps

This comes as prices for standard letter size first class stamps rise again in October for the second time this year.

Money Saving Expert’s website says to “avoid the increases by stocking up now” as the cost of first class stamps is expected to rise by 14%, the Royal Mail has confirmed.

When will the cost of first class stamps increase and what will the new price be?

NEWS: Prices for first class stamps will rise by 14% as of October 1st, and even more for large letters! All information and what you can do about it can be found here… https://t.co/FB7OFdRmDm

(And yes, that makes a 1st class letter stamp £1.25)

– Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) September 4, 2023

The Price increase will take place from Monday October 2nd and the new cost will be £1.25 – an increase of 15p from £1.10.

However, second class stamp duties remain unchanged.

Martin explains: “For years, every time the price of stamps goes up, I’ve been suggesting people stock up and buy in bulk in advance, because as long as there’s no price on the stamp and just the postage class instead, that’s it still valid.” the hike.

“This was an effective tactic as a first class stamp now costs £1.10 and will soon rise to £1.25 – in 2012 it was just 60p.”

“That’s why you can stock up now, even if it’s just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases.”

Royal Mail Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “We understand the economic challenges many of our customers are currently facing and have considered the pricing changes very carefully given the significant decline in letter volumes.

“Mail volume has fallen dramatically in recent years, down more than 60% since its peak in 2004/05 and down 30% since the pandemic.

“It is vital that universal service adapts to this new reality.”

Dame Shirley Bassey will be honored by new stamps issued by Royal Mail

More stamp news: Royal Mail has recently released images of 12 commemorative stamps to mark the 70th anniversary of music legend Dame Shirley Bassey’s career.

She is the first solo artist to be honored with her own stamp issue.

Eight stamps in the main set depict Dame Shirley performing throughout her career, while a further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, capture her at recording sessions and rehearsals.

“They are fabulous. Nothing cheers you up more in the morning than pictures of Shirley in her various outfits.

🎤 Music journalist @juderogers reacts to Dame Shirley Bassey becoming the first solo artist in British history to be featured on a series of stamps

🎧Keep listening @BBCSounds ⬇️

— BBC Woman’s Hour (@BBCWomansHour) September 7, 2023

The Stamps These include Dame Shirley, who sang at the Pigalle nightclub in 1965, in Bournemouth in 1974, at the 2009 BBC Electric Proms, sang World In Union (with Bryn Terfel) during the opening ceremony of the 1999 Rugby World Cup and performed during the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre , Hollywood in 2013.

Dame Shirley said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and never imagined that one day my face would be on a stamp – that one day a letter might arrive and I’ll be there with a postmark next to me!”

“It is an absolute honor to be the first solo artist to receive a collection from Royal Mail. The stamps are wonderful and I hope my fans and collectors love them as much as I do.”