In an effort to stem the losses that have averged £250 million per year over that last four years, Royal Mail has raised prices all round, in an effort to return to the black and make a possible sale of the business as a whole, more attractive.

The price of a First Class stamp that allows you to send up to 100g, has risen from 46p to 60p and a second class stamp, with an up to three day delivery schedule, will now cost 50p, from a former 36p.

The onset of the digital world and particularly email messaging and texting services, have reduced the need to send physical letters and the Royal Mail has been somewhat slow in reacting to the digital threat.