WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has hit out at the Department for Work and Pensions for its refusal to change its policy on the use of 0845 numbers.
The MP had submitted Parliamentary Questions to the department following complaints from constituents who were concerned about the costs of calls and the time it takes for a call to be answered. One constituent waited 45 minutes for a call to be answered.
In their reply to Helen the DWP ministers have said that they offer a call back service if a claimant specifically asks for it or if concerns are raised over the cost of the call.
Helen said: “I asked ministers if they would adapt their policy and tell everyone who rings an 0845 number that they can be called back.
“The answers show they are refusing to do so, just as they are refusing to do an equality impact assessment.
“These lines are costing disabled people, carers and anyone who needs to discuss their benefit, far more than they can afford. The government needs to change its policy.”
MP blasts use of 0845 numbers
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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They are blight on our phone system, say no to 0845 and 0870 by using “saynoto0870.com” ………simples
If you go to the national Labour Party website and want to contact them guess what sort of number it is. Okay I’ll tell you, an 0845 number.