PUBLIC BODY TELEPHONE CHARGES

Early day motion 930, tabled 18 February 2008 by Angus MacNeil (Scottish National Party). Signed by 48 members.

That this House notes with concern that people on low incomes are having to pay up to 40 pence a minute to call public bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions where, for example, a 15 minute call to the Benefit Enquiry Line can cost £6.00 if made from a mobile telephone or through a cable company; welcomes Ofcom guidance which recommends the use of normal geographical numbers alongside 08 numbers; and encourages all public bodies to use 03 numbers which cost the same as local calls.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 16, Scottish National Party 4, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.