0845 and 0870 phone lines: Government departments warned

[dipsydoodle]

Government departments have been ordered to stop using higher-rate phone lines as the contact for key services.

Cabinet Office guidance states it is "inappropriate" to pay high charges for such services - "particularly for vulnerable and low-income groups".

A recent National Audit Office report found the numbers, often starting 0845 or 0870, cost callers £56m in 2012.

Departments will have to explain themselves to Cabinet ministers if they fail to follow the rules.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25523465

For reference : Non-Geographical Alternative Telephone Numbers http://www.saynoto0870.com/

[LeftishBrit]

1. Good! Should have happened from the beginning.