0300 Rate Telephone Numbers

Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

I find it unacceptable that callers to any DWP department,
especially Job Centre Plus (especially the Belfast office that
processes Job Seekers Allowance claims) use lo-call 0845 rate
numbers.

As you are well aware, these numbers are highly expensive to call
from a mobile phone (as are all non geographic rate numbers).
Callers who do not have a land line and who are already financially
disadvantages have to spent up to 50p per minute only to wait in
length call queues, automated systems before getting disconnected
or then a dept engaged tone.

It is about time that 0300 or 01/02/03 or 0800 free phone rate
numbers are used.

My questions are:
1. Has the DWP considered replacing or clearly advertising 0300
rate phone numbers in addition to 0845 lo-call numbers for all Job
Centre Plus branches and Belfast benefits office?

2. If not, when will this be considered and if yes, what was the
outcome and please supply any documents or feasibility study into
the use of 0300 numbers at HMRC / National Insurance Centre / Job
Centres Plus.

Yours faithfully,

Danish Ahmad

Dear DWP Adelphi Freedom-of-Information-Request,

Thanks for your reply which I have read in detail. Whilst I agree
that the use of 0300 numbers may be more expensive than 0800
numbers for those who do not have an all inclusive call plan,
surely it would make sense to offer or reinstate the traditional
"01" number as an alternative for people to call to? This will then
enable them to use their all inclusive minutes.

Your comment about people receiving call backs, is not practical
especially if it takes approx. 5-10 min in some cases for the calls
to be answered. By then as much as £2.50 has already been charged
without even spealing to anyone.

Yours sincerely,

Danish Ahmad