BENEFIT HELPLINE SCAMS

Early day motion 131, tabled 19 November 2009 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 59 members.

That this House seeks to raise awareness of disingenuous benefit advice helplines which charge callers extortionate rates; is concerned by websites that advertise benefits advice and charge callers £1.50 per minute; notes that people in need of benefit advice and support are often those who are the most financially challenged and cannot afford these extortionate rates; further notes the Government's benefits enquiries line which offers advice free of charge; and calls on the Government to take action to warn people away from such websites and to ensure the Government's free advice line is sufficiently advertised.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 12, DUP 4, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.