(UK) Should the cost of postage stamps rise?

[Superman]

Yes or no?

Right now, the cost of postage stamps is 21p for Second Class and 28p for First Class. There are talks of a rise.

I am for and against it.

Postmen and postwomen are hard workers but thanks to weak management over the years, our own Royal Mail has deteriorated over the years. The once fine service is no longer reliable thanks to the weak management.

I would be willing to pay more for postage stamps. After all, 28p isn't a bad price for a letter to arrive within the UK for the next day (in theory). But I'm only willing to pay such a rise if there is also a rise in productivity and standards.

If it's a case of rising costs and deteriorating services (as has sadly happened with so many services in Britain now), then a rise in price cannot be justified.

I'd also be interested in hearing from other countries on their postal systems.

[Republican_Man]

I'm not in the UK, but I say no. NO WAY JOSE. The government takes enough money. They shouldn't take more by raising the price of stamps!

[Superman]

In principle, I am an opponent of higher taxation. I would even argue for tax cuts in this country. I honestly believe it could be done if there wasn't so much waste.

But, even as someone who hates price rises, I will consider postage stamp rises as a "necessary evil" if, and only if, it leads to a better service.

[Birdy]

Er... Just a question: How often do YOU wright letters? Or do you send something over the 'regular' mail?? I think most of the people send their post through email, but that just might be my small-minded opinion

Come on. When the Euro first introduced himself in our country, the price of our stamps was also raised. It was raised from 0,80 guilder-cents to 0,85 guilder-cents, so 0,39 Eurocents per stamp, I don't mind. I don't send that many postcards. The price also depends on the weight of the thing you send.

[Arellia]

I'm interested...does your post office turn a profit? 'Cause in the U.S., usually it actually doesn't...it just pays for the cost of running...

[Superman]

Replying to Belanna1985:

[Kyre]

The Royal Mail only makes money on Business customers. They lose money on normal letters and parcels and stuff. Well, that's what I was told when I worked for 'em. And yes, they are that bad. Terrible actually. I'm afraid to post letters now after seeing what goes on there.

[LightningBoy]

I say yes.

If the postal service is not bringing in enough money to cover its own costs, then it will have to get its money from other taxes. The post office is a self- sufficient branch of government, and is simply a pay-service.

In the U.S. the postal service has separated itself, mostly, from the government. It runs independently, and is really just another business.

[Seven of Nine]

Not at the moment. The postal service is getting worse, not better. We're receiving letters after we've meant to have paid them and that causes problems, bills have just gone missing and a first class letter takes up to two weeks to arrive at its destination.

[Superman]

I actually know a postman. He is overworked, believe me. He often covers the work of THREE people. The service has really gone down.

But, with the managers earning six-figure sums, what incentive is there for them to change anything?

[Birdy]

[Superman]

Replying to Belanna1985:

[Otter]

I'm not giving my Stamp of approvel, No.

[Superman]

[Hitchhiker]