Post Office to raise letter prices and bring in stamp expiry dates

IOMPO says price rises are necessary to keep up with falling demand for traditional mail

The Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) says the cost of sending letters will increase next year, and expiry dates will be introduced for stamps and postage labels.

It’s part of a new business plan which shows the organisation expects to make a surplus of around £2.9 million in 2025-26, on income of just over £23 million. 

A further £1 million will be paid to Treasury from reserves after the end of the financial year.

Letter volumes dropped by around 11 percent last year, while parcel traffic rose slightly. 

Approximately 13 million items were handled across 2024-25. 

IOMPO says price increases are needed to offset inflation and the continued fall in mail use.

It also plans to become more parcel-focused with investment in faster sorting equipment, improved parcel tracking and expanded doorstep collections.

Changes to counter services are expected as government schemes such as MiCard and vehicle licensing move online in 2026. 

The Post Office claims it will keep access to postal services under review and consult communities where changes are proposed.

Other priorities for the year include expanding its fleet of electric delivery vans, installing solar panels at its headquarters, and introducing new data and finance systems.

The organisation says its financial position remains stable but warns of risks from ongoing mail decline and fluctuations in its staff pension scheme.

In his foreword to the plan, Middle MHK and Chair of the Post Office Stu Peters said: "As we look ahead, I am confident that we are well-positioned to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Together, we will continue to build a resilient, innovative, and customer-focused organisation that delivers lasting value for the Island."