STAMP PRICE HIKE 'BAD NEWS FOR BUSINESS', SAYS WHITEFORD

SNP Candidate says increases will hit those on fixed incomes

Scottish National Party Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has described this week's increase in the price of stamps as ‘yet another blow to small businesses and those on fixed incomes’.

The price of a first class stamp is now 39p, with a second class stamp costing 30p. The Royal Mail's Special Delivery Next Day service has also increased in price, up 35p to £4.95 for mail weighing up to 100g.

The SNP candidate is concerned that rural and home-based businesses in Banff & Buchan and pensioner households will be particularly affected by the rise.

Commenting Eilidh Whiteford said:

"This is yet another blow to small businesses and those on fixed incomes.

"These are substantial increases which will hit those who rely on the Royal Mail - individuals and small businesses - very hard indeed.

"Those Banff & Buchan businesses that do not have access to alternative carriers or bulk mailing arrangements will suffer as a direct result of this increase.

"This is particularly the case for rural and home-based businesses in Banff & Buchan. What we need from Westminster are incentives for businesses, like the SNP's Small Business Bonus Scheme has provided, and not a constant undermining of Royal Mail's position forcing it to make eye-watering price hikes.

“Although many people now use e-mail as an alternative to the post, those folk who continue to rely on letters for their family and personal communication will be hard hit. It will tend to be pensioners and those on fixed incomes that are affected, and this price hike is a cruel blow to them in the midst of a recession.

"I fear that this could well be a sign of further rises to come if Lord Mandelson pushes on with his crazy privatisation plans.”