similar surcharges some while back, and, like yours it seems, altered the rates to increments where one might need 3 or 4 separate stamps to make up a 'standard' denomination.

When I enquired why I was told it was to encourage people to take their post to the post office and queue up rather than buy their own stamps.

When I suggested the little old lady in my small post office would not be too happy if I brought in 50 packets on a Monday afternoon they told me the 'online postal software' (which I use anyway) was designed to stop people queuing at the post office As the software costs £50 a year (20% cheaper than yours) and no doubt leads to a lower workforce and closing of smaller post offices its just $$$ as far as they are concerned.

The software is good for me as it can cope with parcels, insured, customs receipts etc. As long as it fits in the post box 50 feet from this desk I dont have to go any further. Otherwise I have to drag myself out 200 feet to the post office itself.