Postal charges will soar

The cost of posting certain items could rise by over 50 per cent as a result of Royal Mail's new pricing structure.

Starting in September 2006, postal charges will be determined by the item's shape and size as well as its weight, which will result in higher charges for things such as large birthday cards.

However, books and similar items should become cheaper to send.

Postcomm chairman, Nigel Stapleton, said: "It will promote the development of a successful and growing postal market by allowing Royal Mail to bring its prices much more closely into line with its costs."

Postcomm, the postal regulator, approves of the system, which has been named Pricing in Proportion.