HIKE IN STAMP PRICES 'A BITTER BLOW' TO SMALL BUSINESS.

HIKE IN STAMP PRICES 'A BITTER BLOW' TO SMALL BUSINESS. Mike Weir MP, SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson, has described today’s (Monday) increase in the price of stamps as ‘yet another blow to Scotland’s small businesses’. From today, a first class stamp will cost 39p with a second class stamp at 30p. Royal Mail's Special Delivery Next Day service has also increased in price, up 35p to £4.95 for mail up to 100g. Commenting, Mr Weir said: "This is yet another blow to Scotland's small businesses which will be felt as the recession really starts to bite. "These are substantial increases which will hit those who rely on the Royal Mail - individuals and small businesses - very hard indeed. "Those who do not have access to alternative carriers or bulk mailing arrangements will suffer as a direct result of this increase. "Royal Mail should have been fighting for all the custom it can get, not driving folk away with eye-watering price hikes. "This could well be the harbinger of things to come if Lord Mandleson pushes through his crazy privatisation plans.”