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MP's call to cut 0845 numbers
A SOUTH Yorkshire MP has demanded the Government scraps 0845 numbers to stop people wracking up crippling call charges - and missing out on benefits.
Barnsley MP Eric Illsley is calling for an end to 0845 numbers for JobCentre Plus, tax credits and other public sector enquiry lines.
He raised the issue in Parliament after being contacted by concerned Citizens' Advice workers in Barnsley.
They have seen a worrying rise in pay-as-you-go phone users being stuck on hold - at a cost of up to 25p a minute - until their credit runs out.
Mr Illsley said: "It seems grossly unfair that those on very low incomes seeking help and advice about benefits or other important matters should have to pay such high charges in order for their queries to be resolved."
Richard Thompson, of Barnsley CAB, said he made two calls on his mobile for a client and the total cost was 5.
A single person under 25 on Jobseekers Allowance receives 50-a-week.
He added: "The majority of the poorest people in South Yorkshire have pre-payment mobiles and no landline.
"People regularly tell me they can't afford to phone the job centre or tax credit helpline and they have been seriously disadvantaged."
Mr Thompson said the Government should set up a system allowing claimants to send a text requesting a call back - and Mr Illsley has backed the idea.
ACTION
YVETTE Cooper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has called for a review of 0845 numbers.
She said: "Cost always has to be taken into account, but we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help that they need, particularly to get back into employment."
Last month the Department for Work and Pensions announced the six biggest mobile phone operators would no longer charge for calls to the department's 0800 benefit claim lines.
But 0845 enquiry lines are still charged at the 'standard' rate - up to 7p-a-minute for landlines and up to 25p from mobiles.
Use these enquiry line numbers to make cheaper mobile calls:
JobCentre Plus Sheffield - 0114 259 0000
JobCentre Plus Chesterfield - 01246 343100
Working and Child Tax Credits - 01355 359007
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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