Can't agree with you there (many 0844 and 0871 numbers are used by telecoms calls providers as gateway numbers for other services - typically for overseas calls).  The revenue sharing aspect then pays for the legitimate service.

That use is justified and not in any way a rip off.

I mean not all businesses or companies should use local geo numbers as you rightly pointed out that many 0844 and 0871 numbers are used by telecoms calls providers as gateway numbers for other services - typically for overseas calls. But not for businesses/companies customer care numbers, doctors' surgeries and government agencies except charities which can be understandable to get few quid out of the call.