Have just been told by our district council that the 0845 number used for emergencies out of hours is justified because it can be automatically rerouted if line is interrupted unlike an 0300 number. I thought there was no advantage over 0300 numbers. Cannot sort c Internet search - anyone any info?

All non-geographic numbers: 0800, 0845, 0871, 09xx, 03xx … are handled in the same way technically. The only difference is the charging!

Extra features, e.g. multiple routing options, have to be paid for. With 084 numbers, it is the caller who pays for this.

Thank you - it now hits the fan!!!!

Must decent suppliers should be able to offer the customer at a cost, the ability for the 03 service to automatically switch to another target number, if the original target number goes down.  ;)

Does not even have to be a 03 number.They could use a virtual 01/02 voip geographical number . If they  require a more complex routing plan you tell supplier what you want it to do and they will create the route for you.

Small victory for the little people! Have got gloucester home seekers number changed to 03xx from 084 after representations to our District Council. Happy bunny but awaiting a change in the emergency number!