Of course, if you’re abroad when you call (as many of us are when we need to call) the only option is the geographical number A&L publish for the purpose - +44 113 220 1505 (0113 220 1505). 

I'm just about to try it.

I can't believe it. This seems quite outrageous.Have you told the guy who did the You and Yours feature onBBC4?

Are you sure you are calling the equivalent number, not a geographical number that goes to a different department? If you keep calling on the wrong number and they have to put you through, they are bound to get annoyed.

0113 220 1505 is given as "internet banking helpdesk" on this site. Is that what you wanted?

Same thing happened to me - they refused to talk to me on the geographical number.

I too used to use the 01132541566 number when I needed to talk to the bank, however the staff started refusing to talk to me on that number, suggesting that I should use the local rate number. Fortunately I do not have to call them that often, so it is not such a major problem for me.

The more people that do call, the more chance that they might provide a geographic number.

I wonder if that's why A & L offer a good interest rate on bank accounts - we, the customer are paying for it indirectly!!

Well, not quite banned, but almost.

I got through on the geogr line to A&L, but the procedure was a serious blow to good customer relations. I wonder how long A&L can keep it up.  In the space of 10 minutes, they lost my good-will for ever.  They shot both their feet off.
• I wanted to increase my mortgage by a large amount.  i.e. I wanted to pay them more money.
• I Called the geog number 0116 201 1000 and asked for mortgage services.
• "Sorry, we can't put you through from here, I'll give you their number, it's 0870 ...."
• Sorry, I interrupt,  I can't get through on that number because I have agreed with my business partner on this number that our service provider blocks all premium rate numbers like 0870, 0845 and the 090s.
• Then I can't connect you.
• It is unacceptable that I cannot phone my mortgage provider when I need to.  What heppens if I am abroad and something crops up?  The phone bill last year to listen to your music while I was on hold was £37.50, that is why we blocked those numbers.  It is all unacceptable.  I am a customer.
• Well there is no connection from this number, I can't physically put you through.
• When did that change then?  I got through just before Christmas.  I think you are beiong economical with the situation there, in fact I don't say it is a lie but it must be as close to a lie as it gets.
• Long silence.
• Will you please wait.   (an order not  a question)
• After 10 mins I get "customer service".  There is no "Hallo my name is Sharon, how can I help you?"
• The business is concluded but everything took place in a climate of ice.

I have been battling against this for 2 to 3 years.  It was even on North West Local TV News where they called Alliance and Leicester and played the banal "Your call is important to us blah blah."   We know why the call is important to them, it makes them money.

I think Alliance and Leicester are one of the worst offenders.    I need to change mortgager next year and they are bottom of the list.

What we do to put pressure on them?
Ofcom can't be the only lot to complain to.  What about banking regulators?

Anyway,  bottom line is congratulations on this web site.  All power to you.