[Although I started a thread some time back about UKPS, this new thread specifically relates to the FOI request and not a general request]

Note, FOI request was submitted May 16, 2005 despite the claimed June 20 date as given in the reply. Question 1 asked for the geographic equivalent to the scam line number. Question 2 related to why 0870 is used and question 3 related to COI advice.

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Thank you for your correspondence dated 20 June 2005 in which you requested information about the UK Passport Service’s use of 0870 numbers.  Your request was handled in accordance with the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Firstly, it may be helpful if I explain that the UK Passport Service issues British passports to British nationals who are resident in the United Kingdom only.  British Nationals who are resident abroad are the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and full access to their advice and services.

Regarding your request, this has been considered and I am pleased to be able to disclose the information you requested to you below.

1.      This information is not held by UKPS.

2.      UKPS has used non-geographical (0870 previously 0990) for several years, as these numbers have traditionally provided an element of flexibility in where calls are answered which was not previously possible with normal geographical telephone numbers.  No meeting notes, etc. are still held.  The outpayments received from our 0870 numbers are at the following rates: daytime £0.015 per minute, evening £0.009 per minute & weekends £0.0072 per minute.

3.      UKPS are aware of the recent COI's advice regarding 0870 numbers and will shortly be reviewing their continued use.  Again there is no meeting minutes, etc. on this subject.  
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As I do not believe the answer to question 1, I will be requesting a review.

The time taken to answer this is also a disgrace and I will follow this up with the IC.

For the amount of traffic they get,some suppliers would pay them 3 or 4 p a minute. However i believe they are still with BT who may not be so generous.