Royal Mail Access Mail price increase suspended following Ofcom dispute

Royal Mail’s proposed Access Mail price increases, previously due to take effect on 5 October 2026, have been suspended while Ofcom considers a formal industry dispute.

Royal Mail notified Access customers of its proposed price changes on 23 July. We listened closely to concerns from our customers about the scale of the increases and the potential impact on mail plans, budgets and future campaign activity.

Having considered that feedback, we believed the proposed increases were excessive.

Through our active role in the Mail Competition Forum (MCF), we helped to formulate and submit a formal dispute application to Ofcom on 12 August. The MCF is acting on behalf of Access customers in relation to the price changes notified by Royal Mail.

No Price Increase On 5 October

Ofcom has now accepted the dispute for resolution. As a result, the proposed Access Mail price increases are suspended while the regulator considers whether Royal Mail’s notified charges are fair and reasonable.

For the avoidance of doubt, there will be no Access Mail price increase on 5 October 2026.

This relates to Royal Mail’s wholesale Access Mail charges. It does not relate to consumer stamp prices or Royal Mail’s retail postal pricing.

What Happens Next?

The matter will now proceed through Ofcom’s formal dispute-resolution process, involving Royal Mail and the MCF. Ofcom has stated that it intends to issue a decision within four months.

The possible outcomes include:

• Royal Mail withdraws its proposal and issues revised, lower prices. Subject to the required contractual notice period, the earliest revised prices could take effect would be mid-November 2026.
• Ofcom finds in Royal Mail’s favour. In this scenario, the proposed price increases could take effect from the end of January 2027, subject to Ofcom’s decision and the applicable notice requirements.
• Ofcom finds in favour of the MCF. This could lead to lower price rises than those originally proposed, potentially taking effect around the end of March or early April 2027.

These timings are indicative only. The eventual outcome will depend on Ofcom’s decision and any applicable contractual notice requirements.

Representing Customers’ Concerns

We welcome Ofcom’s decision to accept the dispute. It demonstrates that the MCF is an important and credible voice for Access operators and the customers whose mailing programmes may be affected by wholesale pricing changes.

At Citipost Mail, we will continue to play an active role in the process. We are committed to representing the concerns of our posting clients and advocating for fair, transparent and proportionate Access Mail pricing.

We will share further updates as the situation develops. If you would like to discuss what this may mean for your mailing plans, please speak to your Citipost Mail contact.