You may have read in the news that the Royal Mail is bringing in a new style of postage stamp which will feature a barcode. You can read about it here: https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps

The current style of stamps, which do not feature a barcode, will be phased out gradually, and will cease to be valid on 31 July 2023. You will be able to ‘swap out’ your old stamps for new ones from 31 March 2022. Information on how to do this is on the above website. This applies to all ‘definitive stamps’ – the ones which feature only the Queen’s head in profile. This includes standard First and Second Class stamps, Large Letter stamps, and all specific value Definitive stamps (e.g. 1p, 2p, etc). Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out.

The pre-paid envelopes used by MPs’ offices will not be affected and can continue to be used after 31 January 2023 and are not part of the swap out scheme.