Competition watchdog says Jersey stamp prices can rise

The competition watchdog said stamp prices can rise, but Jersey Post will decide by how much

The Channel Islands Competition Regulatory Authority has agreed that Jersey Post can raise its stamp prices.

It has been reviewing Jersey's postal sector to see how it can continue to provide a universal service through price changes and savings.

Jersey Post will decide whether stamp prices will increase later this year.

It comes after the UK government removed Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) for imports to the UK from the Channel Islands from 1 April.

'Major challenge'

LVCR allows online retailers to ship items under £15 to the UK without needing to pay VAT.

John Curran, head of the Channel Islands Competition Regulatory Authority, said: "The threat to the island's fulfilment industry is of great concern and while we have always believed that the ordinary postal service should be self-sustaining, we recognise that the short time frame within which the rules on LVCR will change presents a major challenge to Jersey Post.

"We need to ensure that Jersey Post can provide the universal service, which it is required to do under the Postal Services Law.

"We believe this can be done through a combination of price changes and further efficiency savings from Jersey Post."