Royal Mail has confirmed that the cost of stamps will increase again next month, with new prices coming into effect from 7 April. A first-class stamp will rise by 10p to £1.80, while a second-class stamp will increase by 4p to 91p. The latest change means the price of a first-class stamp has almost tripled over the past decade.

The postal service says the increase reflects the growing cost of delivering letters as mail volumes continue to fall. Fewer letters are being sent across the UK, yet the number of delivery addresses has continued to rise. Royal Mail says it must balance affordability for customers while maintaining a nationwide service to more than 32 million addresses.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from consumer groups, who argue that price increases should be linked to improvements in service standards. Citizens Advice said many customers are frustrated by rising costs while delivery performance continues to fall short of expectations.

Royal Mail has faced growing scrutiny over its delivery service in recent months. Last year, regulator Ofcom fined the company £21 million after a significant proportion of first-class mail failed to arrive on time. MPs are also expected to question company executives over ongoing complaints about delays and service disruptions, with campaigners warning that higher prices must be matched by more reliable postal deliveries.