It grates a bit though that, on the SLC website, you see:

Department for Education and Skills
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT
Tel:

Sent this in a month or so ago, and just had what I think is quite a good response (slightly abridged for speed of typing):

1. Why do you use 0845 numbers?   

At the time of the 0845 telephone being set up by the SLC, these calls were charged at a local rate to all customers regardless of location. As the SLC's customer base extends all over the UK we felt that it was reasonable for all customers to pay the same.

2. What is the equivalent geographical number? (In relation to your enquiries line, 0845 607 7577) 

0141 243 3929

3. What revenue do you receive per minute and in total from the use of 0845 numbers? 

£0.006 per minute. Between Sept 2006 and Aug 2007 total revenue was £72.282, however this is not factual income as the money generated is set off against the costs of running the service

4. Are you aware of the revenue collected by your telecom provider, from your callers?

No

5. Have you considered the revised COI guidelines? 

Yes

6. If so, what conclusions did you come to?   

We have decided to move to 03 telephone numbers [ ]. These cannot however be immediately changed due to stationary costs and customer familiarity at peak processing times. Therefore, it is not realistic to change this year.

7. Do you realise that all calls (local/national) cost the same? 

Yes

8. Do you realise that 0845 numbers now offer no cost advantage to callers, irrespective or their location, only disadvantages? 

This number is constantly under review to ensure callers are not disadvantaged.

9. Are you aware of the cost implications to your callers, when using 0845 numbers?   

We are aware of this and other options are being investigated.

10. Are you aware of the cost implications for callers from mobile telephones, bearing in mind students often have no access to a landline, and what provisions do you have in relation to this?

Our remit deals only with keeping calls cost effective from land lines.

11.Do you have any plans to promote an 03 number (same call cost as a a geographic number) or provide a geographic number?

This is under consideration for next year.

Cheers

Minardi