New FTNews

Apologies - news feed updates

fair telecoms campaign — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:01:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Thu, 18 Dec 2014

See our note to explain some 'missing' news items being added belatedly.

Quality of HMRC Helplines attacked - by fair telecoms campaign and Which?

Sunday Times — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Sunday Times - Sun, 14 Dec 2014

Our comments on HMRC helplines are published by the Sunday Times

Nuisance Calls and how to avoid them

BBC Radio Lincolnshire — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 10:45:00 +0000

BBC Radio Lincolnshire - Wed, 10 Dec 2014

David Hickson talks about regulations and good and bad call filtering techniques

Nuisance Calls - reaction to Which? Task Force Recommendations

BBC Radio 4 — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:40:00 +0000

BBC Radio 4 - Mon, 08 Dec 2014

David Hickson on 'PM' telling Eddie Mair what needs to be done to address the problem of Nuisance Calls

Reaction to Which? Nuisance Calls Task Force report

fair telecoms campaign — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Mon, 08 Dec 2014

Sadly the Which? recommendations are seen to be as disappointing as we expected - if not more so.

"The continuing failure to address the problem of Nuisance Calls"

fair telecoms campaign — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 08:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Sun, 07 Dec 2014

Our responses to recent consultations on Nuisance Calls and briefing on a report to be published tomorrow

Councils accused of 'ripping off' taxpayers by charging premium phone rates - see tiny.cc/ft_plines

Sunday Mirror — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:47:00 +0000

Sunday Mirror - Sun, 30 Nov 2014

More than 100 councils still charge up to 41p-a-minute for calls by using expensive '084' lines for services including bill payments

Councils accused of 'ripping off' taxpayers by charging premium phone rates

Mirror — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Mirror - Sat, 29 Nov 2014

David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign, blasted the set-up as “wholly inappropriate and unjustifiable”.

Nuisance Calls - Government announces a step forward … and a step sideways

fair telecoms campaign — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Thu, 27 Nov 2014

FCA to prohibit telemarketing by Payday loans companies. Government to require lawbreakers to identify themselves!

A single mobile coverage network?

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 26 Nov 2014

We respond to a government consultation highlighting the need for mobile coverage to be addressed and regulated as an essential public service.

local councils and their "rip-off" 084 telephone numbers

fair telecoms campaign — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Mon, 24 Nov 2014

We list over 100 local authorities who will have to decide what to do with their 084 numbers before June 2015

Ofcom fails to eradicate Silent Calls

fair telecoms campaign — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Fri, 21 Nov 2014

Breifing on the reasons for Ofcom's failure to deal with Silent Calls, including our proposal for how its policy should be changed and the wider issue of nuisance calls in general should be addressed.

Reaction to proposed tweaking of PECR enforcement powers

LBC 93.7 — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 18:55:00 +0000

LBC 93.7 - Sat, 25 Oct 2014

David Hickson explains the proper regulation and enforcement that is required to address the scourge of nuisance calls.

Victory in the battle against misused 084 numbers

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 11:35:00 +0000

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire - Thu, 16 Oct 2014

David Hickson talks about what has been achieved by the fair telecoms campaign and of further changes to come

BBC Look North (Yorkshire) 7 October 2014

BBC Look North — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 17:40:00 +0000

BBC Look North - Tue, 07 Oct 2014

Follow up to Rip Off Britain item focussing on one local GP which has finally moved into compliance with its NHS contract - 3 years late!

BBC Rip Off Britain 6 October 2014

BBC Rip Off Britain — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 08:15:00 +0000

BBC Rip Off Britain - Mon, 06 Oct 2014

NHS GPs in England using 084 telephone numbers, in breach of their contracts

Mail on Sunday attacks hospital bedside phones

Mail on Sunday — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Mail on Sunday - Sun, 05 Oct 2014

Misuse of 070 numbers by hospital bedside phone providers is attacked.

Allan Beswick talks to David Hickson about GPs with expensive numbers

BBC Radio Manchester — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 06:05:00 +0000

BBC Radio Manchester - Tue, 30 Sep 2014

Discussion of the 18 GPs in Greater Manchester which continue in breach of their NHS contracts

18 NHS GPs in Greater Manchester in breach of their contracts

fair telecoms campaign — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Mon, 29 Sep 2014

We publish a briefing to form the basis for media coverage of a failure by NHS England to enforce compliance with the terms of the GP contracts.

Welcome for the inclusion of trueCall technology in the BT8500 phone

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:01:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 24 Sep 2014

We celebrate the adoption of an effective call management approach in a phone from BT.

Ofcom Consumer Information Campaign - ukcalling.info

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 24 Sep 2014

Call Centre Helper draws its readers' attention to the Ofcom exercise with an industry-focussed quote from the fair telecoms campaign.

Football clubs "ripping off" fans with premium-rate numbers

Moneywise — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Moneywise - Mon, 22 Sep 2014

The Fair Telecoms Campaign has now published a list of all clubs in the Premier League and the Championship using 08 numbers either for their general contact number or ticket line. According to the research, 11 top-flight clubs use an 08 number for their ticket line or general enquiries, with four teams (Burnley, Everton, Sunderland and West Ham) using 08 numbers for both. In the Championship, 20 of the 24 teams use an 08 number, with 14 using a 08 number for tickets and enquiries.

Soccer clubs ripping off fans

fair telecoms campaign — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Sat, 20 Sep 2014

We publish a briefing listing the telephone numbers used by premiership and championship soccer clubs. 32 of them could be found to be breaking the law.

084 / 034 appeal for help from those who have made the switch

fair telecoms campaign — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Sat, 20 Sep 2014

We are seeking good examples of organisations that have switched their 084 numbers for 034.

How ringing your GP for an appointment could leave you with a hefty phone bill

Manchester Evening News — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:13:00 +0000

Manchester Evening News - Tue, 16 Sep 2014

Manchester GPs and the NHS England Area Team repeat the myths that were 'busted' in the letter issued in November 2013.

Iain Duncan Smith's department gets £117,000 rebate from government helpline calls

Mirror — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Mirror - Mon, 15 Sep 2014

David Hickson of the Fair Telecoms Campaign said: “The continuing use of expensive numbers by Government and businesses is a rip-off.”

Income from continuing use of 0845 numbers by DWP highlighted

Sunday People — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Sunday People - Sun, 14 Sep 2014

This is a story to which we were only asked to add a punchy comment. The current situation, with DWP now moving forward from a wholly unacceptable prior position, is actually much better than that portrayed by this article. Whilst the 0845 numbers remain in use, revenue will however continue to flow.

BBC Local Radio still using 0845 numbers

fair telecoms campaign — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Thu, 11 Sep 2014

It is disappointing that some BBC local radio stations are still using expensive 0845 numbers for contact from their listeners - see the list compiled today.

Doctors' surgery among groups still using premium numbers after law change

Daily Gazette - Colchester — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Daily Gazette - Colchester - Wed, 10 Sep 2014

The Fair Telecoms Campaign has named and shamed groups who are still not offering local rate numbers to customers.

Customers being ripped off with premium phone lines that were BANNED two months ago

Daily Mail — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:38:00 +0000

Daily Mail - Sun, 07 Sep 2014

Fair Telecoms Campaign want to get rid of costly numbers for customers

A Kick in the Calls (sic)

The Sun — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

The Sun - Sun, 07 Sep 2014

The Sun names one of the many Premiership and Championship Soccer clubs using expensive telephone numbers for contact from fans. Since publication of this article (on 7/9/14) the club in question has changed its number - see our blog entry made when this article came to light.

Money Box reveals that many landline users are on the wrong call plan

BBC Radio 4 — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 11:10:00 +0000

BBC Radio 4 - Sat, 06 Sep 2014

David Hickson explains how anyone who makes weekday daytime calls from a landline should (probably) be on the most inclusive Call Plan.

David Hickson explains how cold calls are mostly illegal

LBC 93.7 — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 08:30:00 +0000

LBC 93.7 - Mon, 25 Aug 2014

In the light of a Sun article about possible sources of data for cold calling, a red herring once again raises the key issue.

The hidden BT rip-off

fair telecoms campaign — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Sat, 23 Aug 2014

According to figures from the DWP, there could be around 5 million of its claimants, mostly pensioners, who are already paying too much to BT for their telephone calls to ordinary numbers.

084 numbers still in use

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 20 Aug 2014

A document has been released by The Fair Telecoms Campaign outlining a number of companies still in breach of the regulations which came into play on 13th June 2014.

Holidaymakers still charged up to 41p a minute calling for travel info AFTER Government crackdown

The Mirror — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:19:00 +0000

The Mirror - Sun, 17 Aug 2014

High-cost 0844 numbers were banned for customer inquiry lines but several major airports and transport firms - including Heathrow - still use them. Fair Telecoms Campaign said the continued use was "totally unacceptable".

Companies continuing to use expensive numbers in breach of regulations

fair telecoms campaign — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Fri, 15 Aug 2014

We today publish an updated briefing on cases of companies that appear to remain in breach of the Consumer Contract Regulations two months after they came into force on 13 June 2014.

Customer service by telephone, queuing and illegal charges

BBC Hereford & Worcester — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 08:30:00 +0000

BBC Hereford & Worcester - Fri, 15 Aug 2014

Discussion of the issues raised by EE introducing a queue jumping service

Four Warrington surgeries perform U turns over 0844 numbers - but too slowly, and others do not!

Warrington Guardian — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:31:00 +0000

Warrington Guardian - Tue, 12 Aug 2014

The Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral local Area Team of NHS England has secured some response to the letter sent out last November. This is good, but it is far too little and very late.

NHS GPs remaining in breach of their contracts using 084 telephone numbers

BBC Radio 4 You and Yours — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:35:00 +0000

BBC Radio 4 You and Yours - Thu, 07 Aug 2014

David Hickson discusses the 350 cases of English NHS GPs remaining in breach of their contracts

Contribution to Which? conversation on misuse of expensive telephone numbers

fair telecoms campaign — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Thu, 07 Aug 2014

We offer some comment on how some of the issues are being misrepresented by those who should be joining us in the campaign for fair telecoms.

More (on) GPs in breach of their contracts (and other NHS providers)

fair telecoms campaign — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Thu, 07 Aug 2014

The 350 surgeries listed on NHS Choices is not the whole story - some illegal numbers are not listed there. There are also NHS bodies equally in breach of Government Directions.

Sickening: Millions must still dial costly 084 numbers that charge 40p a minute to reach a GP

Daily Mail — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:00:00 +0000

Daily Mail - Thu, 31 Jul 2014

Five years after family doctors were first told not to use expensive 0844 and 0845 numbers, it has emerged that at least 350 surgeries are flouting the guidelines.

GP surgeries still using premium 084 numbers years after ban

Cable.co.uk — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:00:00 +0000

Cable.co.uk - Wed, 30 Jul 2014

The Fair Telecoms Campaign has listed 350 surgeries in England that provide 084 contact numbers on National Health Service website NHS Choice instead of a geographic rate number.

Prohibition of use of expensive telephone numbers - the big failure

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 30 Jul 2014

Placing the continued use of 084 numbers by 350 GP surgeries in England in context, by reference to compliance with more recent regulatory measures.

350 English NHS GPs still in breach of contract by using expensive telephone numbers

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 30 Jul 2014

A list of the GPs shown by NHS Choices to be continuing to use numbers - which were banned by contract changes with effect from 1 April 2011.

Government Guidance on Numbers - annotated for non-Whitehall bodies

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 02 Jul 2014

Re-publication of the Cabinet Office Guidance with relevant points marked up

Is this the end for premium-rate calls?

Moneywise — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Moneywise - Mon, 30 Jun 2014

"At long last, new rules to deal with the scourge of expensive premium-rate phone numbers are on the way." This excellent video briefing covers the current and forthcoming position.

Doctor's surgery reverts back to local rate number

East London and West Essex Guardian Series — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:00:00 +0000

East London and West Essex Guardian Series - Tue, 24 Jun 2014

A doctor's surgery has announced it has reverted back to a local rate telephone number after patients spent two years being charged to call a premium rate line. Earlier this year, the Waltham Forest Guardian revealed patients using the 0844 number, introduced in March 2012, were subsidising phone bill costs at the Handsworth Medical Centre in Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park. The practice was said to be making almost £500 a month.

High Street firms clings to rip-off phone numbers

The Sunday Post — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 08:00:00 +0000

The Sunday Post - Sun, 22 Jun 2014

Some of the top high-street firms in Britain are using rip-off phone lines – a week after they were banned. Tough new regulations have been brought in by the Government to stop firms ripping off customers. This should have seen companies switch to cheaper 034 and 037 prefixed numbers by a June 13 deadline. But many have failed to make the change.

Government U - turn over child maintenance phone charges

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 18 Jun 2014

"We are delighted to announce achieving a further campaigning success, working with Gingerbread – the single parents charity."

Well known companies now breaking the law by using expensive telephone numbers

fair telecoms campaign — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Sat, 14 Jun 2014

We list the names of those who appear to be in breach of the new regulations.

Wake up to Money discusses the end of 084/087 numbers

BBC 5Live - Wake Up to Money — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 05:31:00 +0000

BBC 5Live - Wake Up to Money - Fri, 13 Jun 2014

New regulations come into force to prohibit use of expensive numbers for customer service

Wake up to Money

BBC Radio 5 Live — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 05:15:00 +0000

BBC Radio 5 Live - Fri, 13 Jun 2014

Hear David Hickson of the fair telecoms campaign talk about the quiet revolution affecting customer service telephone phone lines. Thousands of companies have today abandoned their high-rate 084 and 087 numbers in favour of "basic rate" 01, 02 and 03 numbers. This is to comply with Regulation 41 of the Consumer Contract Regulations which came into force on 13 June 2014. The new law implements parts of the EU Consumer Rights Directive. Scroll to 19m 45s.

Briefing (with names) - The revolutionary switch from 08 to 03

fair telecoms campaign — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 03:30:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Fri, 13 Jun 2014

On the morning of the day when new regulations prohibiting use of expensive numbers for telephone contact from customers come into force, we offer a briefing on the revolution of which this is a leading part.

The End for 0845 Numbers

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 11 Jun 2014

“This new law sits in the midst of a number of consumer protection measures and the government will want to be seen to be taking action against those who fail to comply with the new law,” said David Hickson of the Fair Telecoms Campaign.

The end of expensive numbers for customer calls

fair telecoms campaign — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Fri, 06 Jun 2014

Only one week before the implementation of regulations prohibiting use of expensive numbers for calls from customers (except for those to financial services companies) we highlight 50 well known traders that have not yet complied, nor declared an intention to comply by Friday, 13 June.

Nuisance calls stubbornly high as solar panels and insulation replace PPI

The Sunday Observer — Sat, 24 May 2014 00:01:00 +0000

The Sunday Observer - Sat, 24 May 2014

David Hickson of the fair telecoms campaign said he was dismayed that, despite reporting that call numbers were unchanged, the regulator was not announcing new steps to address the problem, even though firms were often breaking the law.

Only 1 month left for 0845 numbers

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 14 May 2014

According to a report published by The Fair Telecoms Campaign, however, a number of high-profile names have yet to show any signs of change, raising concerns that these companies may remain in breach of the regulations after the 13th June deadline.

Government to end costly calls - will the deadline be hit?

fair telecoms campaign — Wed, 07 May 2014 12:00:00 +0000

fair telecoms campaign - Wed, 07 May 2014

We list over 300 companies that need to take action very quickly if they are not to be in breach of the law on 13 June 2014.

50 days until 0845 number change

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 23 Apr 2014

“Let’s hope more companies themselves can do it now so they are not following behind this June 13th deadline unnecessarily,” said David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign.

Financial firms escape ban on use of expensive numbers - but for how long?

BBC Radio 4 Money Box — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:25:00 +0000

BBC Radio 4 Money Box - Sat, 19 Apr 2014

Paul Lewis talks to Martin Wheatley of the Financial Conduct Authority and David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign.

Council dumps 0845 number

Northern Echo — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Northern Echo - Fri, 11 Apr 2014

Where this subsidy is gained by services already paid for by taxation, the Fair Telecoms Campaign dubbed this the "telephone tax".

CITIZENS FOLLOW ADVICE - Sun forces charity to ditch rip-off helplines

The Sun — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:01:00 +0000

The Sun - Mon, 07 Apr 2014

David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign, said: “We are delighted that Citizens Advice has been able to secure extra government funding to stop ripping off those it serves with pricey phone lines.”

CITIZENS BADVICE - RIP-OFF BRITAIN CHARITY GETS RIP-OFFSCAR

The Sun — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 00:01:00 +0000

The Sun - Sat, 05 Apr 2014

David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign, said it “cannot ever be right for advice charities to charge their clients”. He added: “Government must provide Citizens Advice with the funding it needs to operate telephone services, without subsidy at the expense of callers.”

Nuisance calls: Crackdown planned

BBC News — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 00:01:00 +0000

BBC News - Sun, 30 Mar 2014

The Fair Telecoms campaign group said the plans did not go far enough in dealing with the distress caused by constant nuisance calls. "Stop mucking about with arguments about what is and what isn't consent and stop giving all the power to these half-baked regulators," the group's David Hickson said.

Anger as DWP decides to remove public phones from Jobcentres

Bolton News — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Bolton News - Fri, 14 Mar 2014

See Comments

Fair Telecoms Campaigners pleased to see council change their numbers

Rochdale Online — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Rochdale Online - Fri, 07 Mar 2014

Members of the Fair Telecoms Campaign are pleased to see Rochdale Council is moving away from expensive 0845 numbers. The council announced today (Friday 7 March) that they will be replacing 13 of its expensive 0845 numbers to cheaper 0300 numbers.

Council moving away from expensive 0845 numbers

Rochdale Online — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000

Rochdale Online - Fri, 07 Mar 2014

Rochdale Council is replacing 13 of its expensive to call 0845 numbers with cheaper to call 0300 numbers. The new numbers, which went live this morning, cost the same to call as geographic numbers starting 01 or 02. Calls to 0300 numbers are often included as part of inclusive minutes, discount schemes or bundled packages in the same way as geographic calls, so will be free in many cases.

100 days left for 0845 numbers

Callcentre Helper — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Callcentre Helper - Wed, 05 Mar 2014

From 13th June 2014, it will be a legal requirement that businesses provide a standard rate number (i.e. 01, 02 or 03) for their customer service lines. This law has been passed to ensure that no customer is forced to pay an additional charge – frequently incurred with 0845 and similar numbers – when making a complaint about a faulty service or product.

How BT's line rental cost has soared - and how you can pay less

The Telegraph — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 07:10:00 +0000

The Telegraph - Tue, 04 Mar 2014

BT has increased its line rental charges by 39pc in the last six years. The phone giant has been steadily raising its charges for the past five years, making customers fork out almost £5 more for the same service. Basic line rental cost just £11.50 in 2008.

Meeting over surgery premium rate line

Waltham Forest Guardian — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:27:00 +0000

Waltham Forest Guardian - Mon, 03 Mar 2014

Through the use of the 0844 number, the practice makes nearly £500 a month which is used to offset the monthly £1650 phone bill. To date, it is estimated the practice has made around £10,000, although this may be set to change.

Frank Field demands GP surgery drops its 'rip-off' premium rate phone number

Wirral Globe — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:38:00 +0000

Wirral Globe - Mon, 03 Mar 2014

Describing the premium rate line as a "rip-off", Mr Field is demanding answers about how much patients have been charged to subsidise the practice since the 0844 telephone number was introduced. “Does this not violate the fundamental practice of the NHS being a service that is universally free at the point of use?

Jackie Porter: “Scrap 0845 for cheaper calls”

Winchester & Chandler's Ford Liberal Democrats — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Winchester & Chandler's Ford Liberal Democrats - Fri, 28 Feb 2014

It isn’t fair because residents using mobiles have to pay much more to use these numbers. HCC actually receives a cut of the cost of the call- it’s ‘a mobile tax’, especially for those residents in rented properties.

Review of council out-of-hours numbers

Salisbury Journal — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 09:16:00 +0000

Salisbury Journal - Fri, 28 Feb 2014

A review of out-of-hours telephone numbers for Wiltshire Council services is to be undertaken. Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott said one of the aims is to ensure as many 0845 numbers as possible are replaced with lower rate numbers beginning with 0300.

New number for NHS

Morpeth Herald — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Morpeth Herald - Thu, 27 Feb 2014

Telephone numbers are changing for Northumberland’s hospital services. Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will introduce a new non-geographic number on Friday for all general enquiries.

Health trust launch new contact number

News Guardian — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 09:06:00 +0000

News Guardian - Wed, 26 Feb 2014

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is changing its main switchboard number from a 0844 number to 0344 8118111 from Friday. All callers to the new number will be charged no more than a call to a geographical number, regardless of if they are using a landline or mobile. The number will also be included in the available minutes within 'free minute' call packages.

New phone number for NHS Trust

Berwick Advertiser — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:29:00 +0000

Berwick Advertiser - Mon, 24 Feb 2014

A new ‘03’ telephone number will come into force at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust from Friday, February 28.

Patients subsidise surgery costs through premium rate line

Waltham Forest Guardian — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 15:12:00 +0000

Waltham Forest Guardian - Thu, 20 Feb 2014

Patients using a premium rate telephone number are subsidising costs at a doctor’s surgery, the Guardian can reveal. A freedom of information disclosure shows Handsworth Medical Centre, in Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park, makes nearly £500 a month from its 0844 number.

Claims five Neath Port Talbot GP surgeries are "still using premium rate lines"

South Wales Evening Post — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

South Wales Evening Post - Thu, 20 Feb 2014

Five GP surgeries within Neath Port Talbot are still using premium price phone lines, a regional AM has claimed. Four have contracts which will expire during 2015 and one – Castle Surgery, Neath — has a contract which does not expire for more than two years in March 2016.

Businesses gear up for number change

Call Centre Helper — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 15:45:00 +0000

Call Centre Helper - Wed, 19 Feb 2014

Businesses are starting to sit up and take notice of the new laws banning the use of 0845 numbers for customer service.

Patients charged premium rate to call two GP surgeries in Brent

Brent and Kilburn Times — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:21:00 +0000

Brent and Kilburn Times - Wed, 19 Feb 2014

A GP practice in Brent has been criticised for charging its patients a premium rate to book an appointment at both of its surgeries. The health group which runs surgeries on Harrow Road, Wembley, and Wrottesley Road, Kensal Green, charge a 15p connection charge and cost between 5p per minute and 12p per minute to call from BT and Virgin Media landlines. Patients using a mobile phone face charges of up to 40p per minute – eight times more than a landline caller.

New fire non-emergency number launched in Cumbria

Westmorland Gazette — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:29:00 +0000

Westmorland Gazette - Tue, 18 Feb 2014

Non-emergency calls can now be made to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) via a new telephone number. By dialling 0300 303 8623, residents can report non-urgent potential fire risks, find out more about home safety visits and make general enquiries about the service.

Lancashire County Council offers cheaper call for 0300 numbers

Lancashire Telegraph — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:42:00 +0000

Lancashire Telegraph - Tue, 11 Feb 2014

Lancashire County Council has announced the introduction of cheaper 0300 numbers to contact its services. The decision to replace current 0845 numbers with 0300 numbers will make it cheaper to contact the council by phone. The new numbers will be introduced on Thursday, March 27, when it will cost the same to call as geographic numbers starting 01 or 02. 0300 calls are often included as part of inclusive minutes, discount schemes or bundled packages in the same way as geographic calls, so will be free of charge to the customer in many cases.

Rochdale Council under fire for using 0845 numbers

Rochdale Online — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Rochdale Online - Mon, 10 Feb 2014

Rochdale Council has come under fire for using premium rate 0845 numbers for some of their services. Local residents are now asking the council to change their numbers and use a local number or a cheaper dialling code to save them money when contacting them.

David Cameron urged to ban 0844 and 0845 numbers for insurers and banks

Sunday Mirror — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 10:30:00 +0000

Sunday Mirror - Sun, 09 Feb 2014

David Cameron is under pressure to stop insurers and banks using customer helplines costing up to 41p a minute. Watchdogs want a ban on 0844 and 0845 numbers for financial outfits after it emerged flood victims are paying a premium to claim on insurance.

Thousands have fallen victim to a phone switch con

The Sunday Post — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 10:00:00 +0000

The Sunday Post - Sun, 09 Feb 2014

Thousands of families are falling victim to the ploys of rogue salesmen who illegally swap their telephone provider without telling them. Campaigners have demanded tougher action be taken against unscrupulous companies which routinely break the law to win new custom.

How business uses the 08 numbers ... and why

Herald Scotland — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 03:02:00 +0000

Herald Scotland - Sun, 09 Feb 2014

We put together a list of about 80 of the biggest consumer-facing organisations and looked through their numbers, which showed marked differences both between sectors and sometimes between rivals.

How the phone companies are doing a number on customers

Herald Scotland — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 03:01:00 +0000

Herald Scotland - Sun, 09 Feb 2014

Time was that we all thought 084- numbers were for making calls to any part of the country at a local call rate, while the 087- numbers introduced later meant the same national rate from all locations. Now many people have cottoned on to the reality, which is that these numbers often cost slightly more to call than their equivalents from landlines, and considerably more from a mobile.

Patients in Darlington no longer forced to use 084 numbers to contact GPs

The Northern Echo — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 15:47:00 +0000

The Northern Echo - Fri, 07 Feb 2014

Carmel Medical Practice is the last GP surgery in Darlington to switch from a higher rate number to a local rate, meaning all of the town’s practices can now be reached using an 01325 number. The move follows widespread criticism of GP surgeries across the country using expensive 084 numbers, which can cost up to 41p a minute.

Anger as council uses premium rate phone numbers

Manchester Evening News — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 07:41:00 +0000

Manchester Evening News - Fri, 07 Feb 2014

Rochdale council has been slammed for charging the public up to 41p per minute to call vital services. Residents wanting to speak to the authority about benefits, payments or council tax are forced to call a premium rate 0845 number. According to the council, calls to these numbers can cost up to 41p per minute.

David Cameron calls for end to premium rate helplines for flooding victims

The Telegraph — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 13:17:00 +0000

The Telegraph - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

David Cameron has called for an end to the use of premium-rate phone helplines for flooding victims, Downing Street has said. Currently homeowners calling the 0845 number - set up by the Environment Agency - are paying up to 41p a minute, with the money going to a private company. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that this practice had to end "as quickly as possible".

0845 flooding helpline to be scrapped - how to call it for free

Yorkshire Post — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 12:35:00 +0000

Yorkshire Post - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

David Cameron wants the use of premium rate telephone helplines for flooding victims to be ended “as quickly as it possibly can be”, Downing Street has said. Householders calling the 0845 number, which was set up by the Environment Agency (EA), are having to pay up to 41p a minute, with the money going to a private firm.

Premium rate flooding hotline to be scrapped

ITV News — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

ITV News - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

David Cameron wants the use of premium rate telephone helplines for flooding victims to be ended "as quickly as it possibly can be", Downing Street has said. Householders calling the 0845 number, which was set up by the Environment Agency (EA), are having to pay up to 41p a minute, with the money going to a private firm.

Flood victims made to pay 41p a minute to call premium rate government helpline

Daily Mail — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 10:12:00 +0000

Daily Mail - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

Flood victims are being forced to pay up to 41p a minute to call a premium rate Government phoneline when they are desperate for help, it was revealed today. As households across Britain were told to expect another month of storms following the wettest January on record, it emerged all money raised from the 0845 Floodline number set up by the Environment Agency goes to a private company.

County Hall introduces cheaper 0300 numbers

Lancashire Evening Post — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 09:18:00 +0000

Lancashire Evening Post - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

The decision by Lancashire County Council to replace its current 0845 numbers with 0300 numbers will make it cheaper to contact the council by phone. The new numbers, to be introduced on Thursday, March 27, will cost the same to call as geographic numbers starting 01 or 02.

Government's Floodline charges victims premium rate to call for advice

The Telegraph — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 07:26:00 +0000

The Telegraph - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

Thousands of people who have seen their homes damaged by the floods in the wettest January for more than 100 years are being charged a premium rate to call a Government helpline. The Environment Agency has set up an 0845 number for people who have been affected by the storms to call.

TSB is to bring in new lower rate 0345 numbers

Herald Scotland — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Herald Scotland - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

A bank has bowed to pressure over the high cost of phone calls from customers by introducing new lower rate numbers. TSB, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, is to replace all of the unpopular numbers with cheaper- rate 0345 numbers in the coming months.

TSB Abolishes High-Rate Phone Numbers

TSB — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000

TSB - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

Customers should not have to worry about the cost of calling TSB, which is why Britain’s newest Bank is set to replace all its 0845 numbers with 0345 numbers in the coming months. The introduction of 0345 numbers will give TSB customers the reassurance that they can contact their Bank on a local rate number from anywhere in Britain.

Flood victims forced to call PREMIUM rate number to get help from Environment Agency

Daily Mirror — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:30:00 +0000

Daily Mirror - Mon, 03 Feb 2014

Flood victims are forking out 41p per minute to call a Government helpline. The 0845 premium rate number was set up by the taxpayer-funded Environment Agency but the 24-hour service has been outsourced to a private company.