Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has had recent discussions with (a) Ofcom and (b) Royal Mail on increases in the price of postage stamps.

The Government’s objective continues to be ensuring the provision of a sustainable, accessible and affordable universal postal service.

As a private business, Royal Mail sets the prices for its services and the Government does not have a role in its day-to-day commercial decisions. However, Royal Mail must work within the regulatory framework set by Ofcom, the independent regulator, including the current second-class price cap that prevents second class post rising above inflation ensuring a basic affordable universal service is available to all. Ofcom has consulted on proposals for safeguard caps applicable from April 2024 and will announce its decision in the coming months.