From April 6th 2009, Isle of Man Post Office customers will see a small rise in postal rates. Postage for a small letter (up to 100g) will increase to 32p for local addresses and 33p for UK addresses.

Also set to increase are Airsure, Airmail, International Surface Mail and International Signed For prices, as well as ancillary services including private boxes, business reply, freepost and redirection.

However, friends and family of HM Forces personnel can continue to send letters and parcels to any BFPO address free of charge.

Furthermore, despite these changes, basic letter rates continue to be significantly cheaper than those of the UK and the Channel Islands. Jersey's basic 100g rates, by comparison, already stand at 35p and 39p, and are also due for an increase in April 2009.

A spokesperson commented “Isle of Man Post Office aims to keep its postage prices at an affordable price for its customers while reflecting its need to manage the increase in the cost of collecting, sorting and delivery of items. We are delighted that we are still able to remain one of the cheapest postal authorities in Europe.”

The new prices consolidate Isle of Man Post Office's objective of simplifying tariffs and maintaining their 'Pricing in Proportion' principle.

Chairman Alan Crowe MLC said "These price increases come about as a result of changing commercial conditions and factors outside our control. However, it is pleasing to note that even after these price increases, Royal Mail's price to send a next-day letter to anywhere in the British Isles is more than 18% higher than Isle of Man Post office's and the Channel Island's letter prices are approximately 30% higher".