Nothing new here, posted for information/interest:

10 Oct 2005 : Column WA30

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Government Departments: 0870 Numbers
Lord Tyler asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the recommendations of the Central Office of Information on the need to avoid using 0870 and other premium charge telephone numbers for the public to obtain official information have not been followed in the case of the number given to those seeking information about victims of the London bombing incidents. [HL1240]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: On 15 July, The Policing Minister (Hazel Blears) announced an urgent review of the use of 0870 numbers to contact the casualty bureau. That review has now taken place and, with immediate effect, the use of 0870 numbers will be discontinued in respect of casualty bureau access to the public.

0800 numbers will be made available in the future as the main contact number between the Police Service Casualty Bureau and the public. 0800 freephone numbers are free at the point of use to landline customers. Charges to mobile users are based on their mobile tariff. 0800 numbers may not be accessed from overseas and an alternative 020 geographic number is therefore being provided primarily for the use of overseas callers. This number is also available to UK landline customers, including those using mobile phones who may find the charges lower than the standard rate for 0800.

This brings telephony arrangements for the casualty bureau in line with both Ofcom and Central Office of Information guidance.
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