MONEY Saving Expert Martin Lewis is warning Scots households to stock up on a £1.65 item before the price hikes in the coming weeks.
In the era of emails, you might think stamps have become redundant.
The price of stamps is set to increase in April[/caption]
But that’s not the case, and there likely will come a time when you do need one.
And prices are soon set to hike.
A standard first-class postage stamp will rise from £1.65 to £1.70.
Meanwhile, a large first-class stamp will soar from £2.60 to £3.15 come April 7.
A standard second-class stamp will increase from 85p to 87p.
And the price of a large second-class stamp will remain the same at £1.55, according to The Mirror.
The cost of other Royal Mail services, like “Tracked” and “Signed For” deliveries will also climb.
But savvy senders could save by buying them before the rise comes into effect.
Martin Lewis said: “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.
“This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now £1.65, soon rising to £1.70 – in 2012 it was just 60p. So while it’s not a huge saving this time, you still may as well stock up now.”
Royal Mail said the price hikes were a result of the firm delivering fewer letters.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We always consider price changes very carefully but the cost of delivering mail continues to increase.
“A complex and extensive network of trucks, planes and 85,000 posties is needed to ensure we can deliver across the country for just 87p.”
