Sanders- 08 Numbers amount to an unfair tax

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders is calling on all public bodies to use 03 numbers which cost the same as local calls instead of the expensive 08 numbers.

Currently a caller to a Government body can find themselves being charged up to 40p a minute, with a 15 minute call to the Benefit Enquiry Line, from a mobile, costing around £6.00.  

Ofcom, the communications regulator, has issued guidance that recommends the use of normal geographic numbers alongside 08 numbers.  

 Adrian commented:

“I have been approached by a number of constituents who, rightly, feel that the charges made by public bodies for phone calls are in effect an unfair tax, that falls most often on the most vulnerable.

“We all know how frustrating it can be trying to contact a government office where you are forced to endlessly hold while paying for the pleasure

“To add further insult to inquiry it is often those on the lowest incomes that are forced to call from pay phones thereby pushing the costs up even  further.

“I have signed a Parliamentary  Motion that calls on all public bodies to charge calls at a local rate, I have also written to the Chief Executive of Ofcom asking that he do all he can to press both public and private bodies to act more honourably regarding this matter”