Royal Mail
Royal Mail is part of the fabric of the nation – we don’t want to see it ripped apart
It is highly likely that the government will begin the privatisation of Royal Mail later this year. Along with a sell off comes the real threat of stamp prices hitting £1. Price regulation on most stamps was scrapped to boost its attractiveness to investors. It is also quite possible that Royal Mail’s VAT exemption will become unlawful. Add VAT to just one price increase similar to the last one and the first class stamp would hit 94p.
39% price hike – 163% over past 10 years – sees “unprecedented” run on stamps
Huge increases in the cost of stamps - up 14p (30%) to 60p for first class, and 14p (39%) to 50p for second class - have prompted a surge in sales of stamps.
Royal Mail privatisation: Government selling the family silver
With the Royal Mail privatisation bill set to receive royal assent in coming weeks, job cuts show Royal Mail are already under pressure to attract a buyer.
Government bill threatens universal postal service
Shadow minister for communities and local government Jack Dromey MP writes about the threat to the universal postal service posed by the government's postal bill.
Royal Mail and the Post Office are not “separate and distinct businesses”
The government claims Royal Mail and the Post Office are “separate and distinct businesses” This is not true; they are part of the same state owned business.
Warnings of disastrous consequences of Royal Mail privatisation
The Government has announced that it is to press ahead with plans to privatise the Royal Mail - describing the action as "urgent". A number of recommendations have been given to the Coalition from the former deputy chairman of Ofcom, Richard Hooper. Speaking out this afternoon, Labour leadership candidate Ed Balls and former London mayor Ken Livingstone opposed the privatisation.