Seven weeks after Ofcom introduced it rules on clear calling a survey shows that up to two thirds of companies, including household names, are not complying with the new rules.

See this article......

http://talkbusinessmagazine.co.uk/2015/08/17/two-thirds-of-smes-still-not-complying-with-ofcoms-clear-calling-policy/

bigjohn wrote on Aug 24^th, 2015 at 7:41pm:

Seven weeks after Ofcom introduced it rules on clear calling a survey shows that up to two thirds of companies, including household names, are not complying with the new rules. See this article...... http://talkbusinessmagazine.co.uk/2015/08/17/two-thirds-of-smes-still-not-complying-with-ofcoms-clear-calling-policy/

As I have said before, they will continue to flout the rules until the authority, (Trading Standards), mans up and takes some prosecutions, but they won't!

TS are not be interested, this is a response from TS via a FOI request last year:-

"Regulation 41 of The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, does not create a criminal offence for failure to comply and therefore is not actionable by Trading Standards.

The Regulation creates rights for the consumer which entitles them to a refund of any costs incurred over and above the cost of calling a basic rate number should the business fail to comply with the requirement to provide a telephone line at the basic rate.

I can advise therefore that the information provided regarding CPC has been recorded but no further action has been taken at this time. However, the intelligence received will be considered and used when providing advice to Lancashire businesses in light of the changes to this legislation."


The consumer will have to request from the trader or take court action if trader does not comply!


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derrick wrote on Aug 25^th, 2015 at 9:03am:

bigjohn wrote on Aug 24th, 2015 at 7:41pm: Seven weeks after Ofcom introduced it rules on clear calling a survey shows that up to two thirds of companies, including household names, are not complying with the new rules. As I have said before, they will continue to flout the rules until the authority, (Trading Standards), mans up and takes some prosecutions, but they won't!

Failure to declare the Service Charge in close proximity to the 084, 087, 09 or 118 number is a matter for Advertising Standards (or PhonepayPlus if the Service Charge is more than 7p per minute or per call).

Out of interest, are lorries and vans driving around with (e.g.) 0844 numbers on them and not declaring the service charge supposed to be changed to comply?

Yes, they should. There are no exemptions.

However, if calling that number simply results in a 'free to caller' announcement advising the caller to hang up and re-dial the new 01, 02, 03 or 080 number, then there is no need to do so.

Some companies have thousands of vehicles and it could take years to get them all redone. Those that swap their 084 or 087 number to the matching 034 or 037 number have a simpler job as they only have to cover up a part of the '8'.

kasg wrote on Aug 26^th, 2015 at 5:52pm:

Out of interest, are lorries and vans driving around with (e.g.) 0844 numbers on them and not declaring the service charge supposed to be changed to comply?

Yes.

"Review all your materials and advertising.

If your business or organisation is contacted on a number beginning 084, 087, 09 or 118, you must ensure that your service charge is clearly displayed wherever you advertise or promote that number. The service charge should be prominent and in close proximity to the number itself."

https://www.ukcalling.info/industry