WEIR - STAMP PRICE INCREASE WILL HIT RURAL CUSTOMERS HARDEST

 

SNP Westminster Business Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has today (Friday) warned that businesses and customers in rural areas will be hit hardest by the latest stamp rises announced by Royal Mail.

 

From April 2008, the cost of a first-class stamp will go up 2p to 36p (an increase of 6 per cent), while the cost of a second-class stamp will rise 3p to 27p (an increase of 12 per cent).

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“These prices rises will impact heavily on small businesses in rural Scotland. The so called “liberalisation” of the postal market is proving an unmitigated disaster for rural areas.

 

“Businesses in urban centres can have a choice of postal providers. Large users can get special deals from Royal Mail. But neither of these options are available for small rural enterprises.

 

“Rural customers are being squeezed by a steadily reducing service and an increasing cost. They already get one delivery a day which can come at any time of the day, reduced collections, closed post offices, and now substantial increases in stamp costs. If Royal Mail get their way and introduce zonal pricing it will be even worse.

 

“Post Office services have been steadily chipped away in the name of “liberalisation”, small businesses and individuals can see little benefit.”