Letters
The cost of sending a standard letter depends on the postage you choose and how many sheets of paper you need.
Prices include:
- paper
- postage
- double-sided black and white printing
- C5 size envelopes with an address window
| Paper | 1st class | 2nd class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 sheet | Up to 97 pence + VAT | Up to 61 pence + VAT |
| 2 sheets | Up to £1.01 + VAT | Up to 65 pence + VAT |
| 3 sheets | Up to £1.05 + VAT | Up to 68 pence + VAT |
| 4 sheets | Up to £1.11 + VAT | Up to 75 pence + VAT |
| 5 sheets | Up to £1.15 + VAT | Up to 79 pence + VAT |
Letters in accessible formats
You can use a range of accessible formats to send letters to people with accessibility needs.
Learn more about NHS Notify’s accessible letter formats.
| Accessible format | Cost |
|---|---|
| Large print (16 point font) | Same as a standard letter |
| Braille | £1.98 + VAT |
| Audio CD | £2.80 + VAT |
Letter inserts
You can include an insert with letters to give recipients other information. For example, this could be a leaflet to a related service.
If you include an insert with your letter, you will need to pay an insert fee of up to 1.08 pence (plus VAT) for each letter.
You can print your inserts elsewhere or use NHS Notify. If you use NHS Notify, you will need to pay the print cost.
| Insert type | Print cost |
|---|---|
| Simplex colour sheet | Up to 2.47 pence + VAT |
| Duplex colour sheet | Up to 2.65 pence + VAT |
| Additional colour toner | Up to 0.031 pence + VAT |
Returned letter costs
There is an 18 pence charge for each letter you send that is returned. Returned letters are then destroyed for data security, which costs £5.99 (plus VAT) for every 10,000 letters.
Letters are sometimes returned because:
- the address is invalid or does not exist
- it has been refused by the recipient
- the address is vacant or the recipient is no longer there