I have now got my own 0871 number. Their minimum payout is only £5, so ideal for low useage.
Also, I believe you can't call 0871 numbers from abroad, so hopefully once it's fully circulated with all the large companies I deal with, I might not get calls from India asking for payment protection on my credit card. Also, if call centres are unable to call me, then if it's that important they can write to me instead.
The company I used was
www.thenumbercompany.co.ukTheir rates are 3.75 (day) 4.25 (evenings) 4.75 (weekends)
Also their 0870 rates are 3p minute (days only) and no rebate for evenings and weekends.
There's no set up costs, or rental costs.
I've had no problems so far, but I've only been using them about a week. I've tested the number a couple of times on my mobile (but not answered) and it works fine.
Also, I've been shopping around for car insurance, and of course submitted the 0871 number as my home number, and a few companies wanted to call me back to get me a better deal than the online quote!! (and put a couple of pence in my pocket at the same time!!)
My number was set up very quickly, so just hope things run well with them in the future.