24/12/2008 - Stamp costs to rise 3p in April
The price of first and second class stamps is to rise by 3p in April, the Royal Mail has announced.
The cost of posting a standard letter first-class will rise to 39p, while a second-class stamp will be 30p.
Business customers will see a price rise of 4.2%, but companies using franking machines and pre-paid accounts will experience a smaller rise.
The Royal Mail said the increase, which it said will add just 5p to the average UK household's weekly expenditure, will still make UK stamp prices among the lowest in Europe.
Liberal Democrat small business spokesman Lorely Burt said: "At a time when we are entering a recession, and inflation is coming down, Royal Mail is increasing prices by an average of around 10%.
"This will be a body blow for small businesses seeking to communicate with their customers and fighting for new business in a harsh economic climate."
It is believed five million fewer letters are being sent each day compared with two years ago.
Copyright © Press Association 2008
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