MP's call to BT over extra charge

Wentworth MP John Healey wrote to the Chief Executive of BT six months ago asking him to drop the 18 a year charge.

Now he has widened his campaign by approaching the telecoms watchdog OFCOM asking it to intervene.

Mr Healey said: “The additional charge of 4.50 per quarter is likely to have a noticeable impact on those already vulnerable, such as pensioners and families on low-incomes.

“As regulators for the industry I want to know what OFCOM think about the new charges and how they believe that charging customers 18 a year for not paying by direct debit can be justified.

“I am very concerned that loyal customers seem to be being penalised through no fault of their own, simply because they choose not to pay their bills by direct debit and conform to the way in which BT prefers people to pay.

“It seems unfair to me that if you are a customer who always pays your bill on time, but you are unable to set-up direct debits - or if you simply prefer to pay your bill by cash or cheque - you are charged more for that decision.

“I want BT and OFCOM to look again at this decision, and consider how the charge might be having an impact on those who are affected by it.”