Q&A: Stamp price rises explained

Ofcom says allowing Royal Mail to raise postal prices will safeguard the universal service

Royal Mail is being given the freedom to set the price of first class and business mail, rather than the regulator.

Ofcom says this will safeguard the universal postal service, which allows post to travel the UK for the same price, no matter where it was posted or is being delivered to.

<paragraph>How much have stamps risen in price? </paragraph>

<paragraph>Are there no limits?</paragraph>

<paragraph>Why has Ofcom allowed the Royal Mail this freedom?</paragraph>

<paragraph>Will price rises be enough to help Royal Mail financially? </paragraph>

<paragraph>Will Ofcom still regulate the postal service?</paragraph>

<paragraph>How does the UK compare with other countries?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What about the longer-term future of the Royal Mail?</paragraph>