Royal Mail Raises Stamp Prices as Delivery Targets Lowered

Stamp prices in the UK rose on 7 April 2026, with both first-class and second-class rates increasing as Royal Mail continued to miss delivery performance benchmarks.

The cost of a standard first-class stamp increased by 10 pence, bringing the new price to £1.80. At the same time, the price for a standard second-class stamp went up by 4 pence, reaching 91 pence. These changes were implemented amid ongoing concerns about Royal Mail’s delivery performance.

Royal Mail has not achieved its delivery targets for more than five years. This period of missed targets coincided with regulatory changes affecting the company’s service standards.

Effective from 1 April 2026, Ofcom reduced the headline delivery targets for Royal Mail. The target for first-class next-day delivery was lowered from 93% to 90%, while the second-class within three days target was adjusted from 98.5% to 95%.

What the numbers show

• First-class stamp price rose by 10p to £1.80 from 7 April 2026
• Second-class stamp price increased by 4p to 91p on the same date
• Ofcom reduced first-class delivery target from 93% to 90% starting 1 April 2026
• Second-class delivery target changed from 98.5% to 95%

These price adjustments and target revisions were introduced as Royal Mail continued to experience challenges in meeting its delivery obligations. The changes to service targets by Ofcom were made shortly before the new stamp prices took effect.

The adjustments to delivery targets and stamp prices were reported by Citizens Advice, which noted the ongoing issues with Royal Mail’s delivery performance. No primary statements from Royal Mail or Ofcom were identified in available reports.

Royal Mail’s delivery performance has remained below regulatory expectations for several years, leading to changes in both pricing and service standards. The revised targets and increased stamp prices represent the latest procedural steps in response to these ongoing challenges.

As of April 2026, both regulatory and pricing measures have been implemented, reflecting the continued monitoring and adjustment of Royal Mail’s service requirements and costs.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.