Does anyone know how much profit the Inland Revenue (sorry! Revenue and Customs!) make from 0845 numbers?

Although I hate the idea of any UK gov dept. using premium rate numbers, they can't actually make a "profit" out of anything. They are not commercial organizations - they are just either spending or collecting UK tax-payer's money!

But they could be using 0870 / 0845 numbers as a form of "stealth" tax.

That said, I've recently had to visit many government websites for a new biz I am setting-up; and I have been mightily impressed with their quality and ease-of-use. Sorry - a bit off-topic!

Good idea, kk!

Here's part of my letter to them...

"On principal, I do not return calls to 0845 numbers.

As mentioned, 0845 numbers are considerably more expensive for me and, I understand, incur a cost to H M Revenue and Customs.  Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I should be obliged if you would advise the annual cost to H M Revenue and Customs.

Alternatively, should there be any gain to H M Revenue and Customs arising from the use of 0845 numbers, I should be obliged if you would advise the annual gain, directly or indirectly."