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Written question asked by Ian Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 22 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 April 2024 (named day). It was answered by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.


Small Businesses: Postage Stamps

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact of the relative increase in the cost of stamps on small businesses that (a) design and (b) sell greeting cards.

Answer

The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail's commercial decisions, including the prices of stamps and other services.  In setting its prices, Royal Mail must observe the regulatory framework set by Ofcom which imposes price controls, 'safeguard caps', on certain second-class products to ensure a basic universal service is available to all at affordable prices.

Ofcom reviewed the safeguard caps in 2023, including the impact of price rises on consumers and small and medium sized enterprises, and on 24 January 2024 announced its decision on the retail price caps that would apply to Royal Mail's universal postal services from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23067
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Prices Postage stamps Small businesses Stationery
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk