33% rise in stamp prices

FIRST and second class stamp prices are to increase by 14p from next month to of 60p and 50p.

Prices will rise from the current 46p and 36p from April 30, while the cost of posting large letters will increase from 75p to 90p for first class and 58p to 69p for second class.

The increases followed a decision by Ofcom to give Royal Mail the freedom to set its own prices.

In 2000 a second class stamp cost just 19p.