Post prices to rise

Guernsey Post says it knows the rises will be unpopular

The cost of postage in Guernsey is set to rise sharply from next year.

Guernsey Post wants to increase its tariffs by up to 25% from February.

It will mean the price of sending a local letter will rise by six pence to 28p, and parcels by 40p to £2.40.

The company blames the move on increased running costs and the Royal Mail, which wants an extra £3.4m to receive post sent from the island to the UK.

'Favourable rates'

Managing Director Mike Hall said the move will bring the island in line with the UK.

He said: "Price rises in any sector are always unpopular, and I expect these to be unpopular.

"Unfortunately, it's a reality that we need to catch up with the market rates elsewhere.

"It's not a question of putting Guernsey at a disadvantage to any other country, we have actually been enjoying very favourable rates for some time."