084 number ripoff

5.24.15pm GMT Sun 8th Mar 2009

At today's Liberal Democrat Spring Party Conference in Harrogate, Stockton Councillor Suzanne Fletcher asked the Parliamentary Party about them taking up the issue of the increasing use of expensive to use 084 numbers.

Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam and Chief Whip replied that Lib Dem MPs were researching the effects of 084 numbers and certainly taking the issue up. He said :

" 084 numbers are an organised rip off, and the beginning of privatising the public sector. It is fleecing older people, the sick and those in need. The NHS should be free at the point of need, must remain so, and people must not have to pay for such a basic need as phoning their doctor."

Suzanne said she was pleased the issue was being taken up as

"there is a proliferation of these numbers in not just Health services, but Benefits and many other public services. People using mobile phones or who have special tariffs with phone companies are the big losers, particularly those most in need".