It appears that DWP alternative numbers for its various offices are being changed to Stornoway (01851, Isle of Lewis) numbers. The following have network redirection messages on and have therefore been updated in the database.

Descriptions below are as they appear in the database.

Alternatives for 0845 606 0265:

0116 248 1329 [not recognised] Leicester office assistant manager (unverified)
01282 688889 > 01851 767593 Burnley office
01382 513404 > 01851 767726 Dundee office
01633 488450 > 01851 767360 Unverified - apparently deals with people in Bucks, Oxon, Wilts, IoW
01633 488454 > 01851 767360 Cardiff office
01698 244404 > 01851 767414 Unverified - UK, non-international number for reporting death of UK-resident pensioner
01792 765674 > 01851 767653 Swansea office
0191 516 1000 > 01851 767257 Seaham office
0191 516 1004 > 01851 767257 Seaham office
01925 401754 > 01851 767458 Widnes office
01925 401766 > 01851 767458 Warrington office


Others:

• 0845 608 8524 - 01772 841000 unverified alternative for "Social Security Office, Preston" now answers with recording redirecting to 0845 number
  
• 0845 600 2537 - 0191 215 4491 unverified alternative for "Pension now has network redirection message to 01851 767476. This alternative is given for overseas callers on direct.gov.uk. I have therefore listed it as verified.

I think it's fair to say that these offices have not moved to the Isle of Lewis, so perhaps all or many of the alternatives for DWP are now consolidated into 01851 767xxx.....

why?

I thought the change of government would put an end to this sort of ridiculous nonsense Gordon Brown obviously designed to divert even more English money into the Scotch economy.

I know the 01851 767 414 number does connect you to the pensions dept of the DWP, this is currently a useable number, the 01698 number listed before it refers you to dial the 01851 number, and has clearly been discontinued for customer enquiries.