article_snippet: Royal Mail, which was privatised in 2013, said Royal Mail, which was privatised in 2013 had ‘thought carefully about the impact on customers
article_snippet: ’ because of ‘recent tough economic conditions’.
article_snippet: However critics fear the increase will hit small businesses which depend on the postal service.
article_snippet: John Allan, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ‘If you’re a business that relies heavily on the postal service, increases in prices won’t be welcomed.
article_snippet: Businesses affected will have to decide whether to absorb it or pass it on to Businesses customers.
article_snippet: Sue Whalley, of Royal Mail, said:
article_snippet: But critics feared this meant valuable packages could be left with untrustworthy or unfamiliar neighbours.
article_snippet: Special delivery items and international parcels requiring a signature are excluded from the scheme.