Price of stamps rises by 3 pence

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The price of both first and second-class stamps has increased by 3 pence, Royal Mail has confirmed.

The price rise, first announced in December, means that a first-class stamp now costs 39p for standard letters weighing up to 100g.

A second-class stamp now costs 30p for a letter of the same weight.

For large letters, the price of a first-class stamp has gone up by 9p to 61p while a second-class stamp has risen 5p to 47p.

Royal Mail stressed that the increases were within the price limits set by the regulator, Postcomm.

Delivery of stamped mail remains a loss-making business for Royal Mail.

Sending a packet weighing up to 100g first class costs £1.28, and £1.08 for second class.

Royal Mail's Special Delivery Next Day service has also increased in price, up 35p to £4.95 for mail up to 100g.