To date there are 46 signatures.


Quote:

EDM 930 PUBLIC BODY TELEPHONE CHARGES          18.02.2008 MacNeil, Angus That this House notes with concern that people on low incomes are having to pay up to 40 pence a minute to call public bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions where, for example, a 15 minute call to the Benefit Enquiry Line can cost £6.00 if made from a mobile telephone or through a cable company; welcomes Ofcom guidance which recommends the use of normal geographical numbers alongside 08 numbers; and encourages all public bodies to use 03 numbers which cost the same as local calls.

More details, including a list of those MPs who have signed it, here.

As mentioned on the Parliamentary update thread, there is another Early Day Motion which is of interest to us.


Quote:

EDM 1285 ACCESSING GOVERNMENT HELPLINES FROM MOBILE TELEPHONES 31.03.2008 Goldsworthy, Julia That this House notes many Government-run helplines such as the Tax Credit Helpline, Benefit Enquiry Line, Pension Service and Social Fund use numbers with an 0800 or 0845 prefix; further notes that these numbers are widely advertised and are recognised as free phone and local rate numbers, despite the fact that mobile network operators connect customers to these services at premium rates; is concerned that low income users of these helplines without access to a landline incur disproportionate costs in accessing taxpayer funded services; urges the Government to consider reviewing legislation so that 0800 numbers are genuinely free to all users; and calls on the Government to investigate providing all essential Government-run helplines, where no alternative face to face service is provided, free of charge at the point of use.

More details, including a list of MPs who have signed it here.

After reading this, I e-mailed my MP (LibDem) asking for his support (first time I have done anything like that).  Yesterday a response arrived on very posh House of Commons stationery (which impressed my postman as much as myself).

A couple of extracts from his letter:

"Dealing with call centres - whether central government or big business - needs exceptional patience at the best of times.  How absurd then that some of the poorest and most vulnerable people can be left waiting on expensive phone lines, especially when using a mobile phone, while trying to access financial help."

" ...please be assured we will continue to campaign on this issue."

So it seems like the message is getting through.  Now if only we can convince the other 600-odd MPs!