Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of increased stamp prices for businesses on affordability for consumers of those products, such as magazine media.

As an independent business, Royal Mail’s management sets the prices for its services. The government does not have a role in the company’s day-to-day commercial or operational decisions. In setting its prices however, Royal Mail must work within the regulatory framework set by Ofcom, the independent regulator.

Affordability is at the heart of Ofcom's regulatory regime, and it continues to monitor the market, including affordability and impacts on both consumers and businesses. Ofcom is conducting a review of pricing and affordability and will consult on any proposals ahead of the expiry of the current control on Second Class letter prices in early 2027.