To be annoyed at government phone numbers being 0845/0870?

[buttonmoon78]

I'm currently sat on the phone to the tax credits people. It's an 0345 no which means I'll pay for it.

I regularly have to ring another government department chich is an 0870 number - again meaning I have to pay for it.

I'm not expecting them to be 0800 (because I'd still be paying for it!) but why aren't they standard geographical numbers? So it could be included within my allowances?

It's nothing more than a bit of a grumpy gripe for me, but surely there are people who can't afford to phone the government easily? Even on a very basic £10/m contract like my dds have, a standard no is included in their allowance whereas 0845/0870 is extortionate. Landlines are cheaper but it'd still cost.

I've been on hold for 12mins so far!

Try the " say no to 0845 numbers" website. It gives alternatives.

YANBU but you can google the non-0845 numbers. There's a website listing alternatives here.

yup lists lots of standard rate landline numbers which can be called to use inclusive minutes on mobiles

and often more direct to the department you need

Same here if I need to telephone our gp. If I use my mobile it costs over a pound depending on how long am on hold grrrr

I was on hold to the Tax office the other day for 25 minutes. When I did get through, my call lasted another 20 minutes.
YANBU

But many of those who have the 0845/0870 numbers are getting wise to the websites and so the suggestions no longer work.

I've been hung up on plenty of times when using the 'incorrect' number.

Is infuriating!

you must never mention where you got the number from

start your conversation with 'Hello, my NI/ref number is *' and state what you need to happen next

I'd never squeal!

I do that, all assertive like, and the buggers still hang up!

Just wanted to say that the Working Tax Credits people, IMO, have the worst telephone menu option thing EVER.

I was SO stressed trying to get through to them once. The recorded message goes on and on about using their website, yes, for 20 minutes sometimes - Jesus if I wanted to use their website I would, I wanted to speak to a HUMAN.

Have to say though, Working Tax Credits are great when you get them.:)

fuckers try again?

i didn't mean you're a squealer, it's just that daily heil readers also work for gvt offices some people are tossers sticklers and like the power don't understand how long you can be on hold

I very nearly spontaneously combusted when having gone through that the smiley voice woman informed me that they were all too busy now and there was no one to take my call, goodbye!

YANBU! I hate the tax people's number - I tried ringing and was left on hold for 20 mins and still didn't get a human. I had to hang up as I was worried about the bill!

I'll go for gin if that's what you're offering UnChartered!

i dunno Hedgerow the woman on the DLA 'helpline' was pretty acerbic to me last week

@

GP surgeries should not be charging premium rates for you to access their services - see here www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06094 Complain to your local MP www.writetothem.com/

not sure if this is up to date but:
" Millions of BT customers will no longer have to pay to call numbers starting with 0870 and 0845 after Britain's biggest landline supplier today announced it would abolish call fees to the controversial numbers.

From 16 January, 14 million customers with any of BT's call packages will benefit from free calls to what are normally premium rate lines.

Currently, BT subscribers pay up to 5.8p a minute for 0870 numbers and up to 1.96p a minute for 0845 numbers, with a 7p set up charge on top (even when calls to landline numbers starting 01, 02 or 03 are free). Other landline suppliers can hit customers for more - up to 10p a minute for 0870 numbers in some cases.

However, customers will still be charged for calls to the even more expensive 0871 and 0844 numbers, where fees can exceed 10p a minute"

Tragically I'm with sky.

And all it's meant is that a lot of numbers which previously were 0845/0870 are now 44/71 and other variations.