PUBLIC BODY TELEPHONE CHARGES

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.