Public-sector 084 numbers
Services operated by national and local government, as well as other public-sector bodies, are funded from taxation. Where an organisation uses a 0845, 0844 or 0843 number it imposes a Service Charge on callers. Passing on costs for running public services directly to users in this way is called the Telephone Tax.
The Government position
In December 2013 Her Majesty’s Government published guidance on telephone numbering policy (updated October 2015). It says that a geographic rate number should be regarded as the default policy position. Where a non-geographic number is required this should be one from the 03 range.
Where a Department either doesn’t operate a 01, 02 or 03 number, or where it doesn’t operate a dual numbering system with a 03 number as the primary, it was required to write to the Minister for Civil Society explaining the rationale.
A free-to-call number, which is prefixed 0800 or 0808, may be used where callers are likely to be part of a vulnerable or low income group, particularly where calls may be long and could otherwise result in substantial charges.
In exceptional cases, where value-added services are being offered, 09 number prefixes which impose a Service Charge on callers may be used.
Local authorities’ position
Most local authorities have moved away from 0844 and 0845 numbers, although quite a few still have them for payments.
The NHS in England
The first principle of our NHS is that it is free at the point of need, yet many GPs charge patients by using 084 numbers. Following UK Calling on 1st July 2015 NHS GPs still on these numbers must declare their Service Charge, which is up to 7 pence per minute.
The Government position
In December 2013 Her Majesty’s Government published guidance on telephone numbering policy (updated October 2015). It says that a geographic rate number should be regarded as the default policy position. Where a non-geographic number is required this should be one from the 03 range.
Where a Department either doesn’t operate a 01, 02 or 03 number, or where it doesn’t operate a dual numbering system with a 03 number as the primary, it was required to write to the Minister for Civil Society explaining the rationale.
A free-to-call number, which is prefixed 0800 or 0808, may be used where callers are likely to be part of a vulnerable or low income group, particularly where calls may be long and could otherwise result in substantial charges.
In exceptional cases, where value-added services are being offered, 09 number prefixes which impose a Service Charge on callers may be used.
Local authorities’ position
Most local authorities have moved away from 0844 and 0845 numbers, although quite a few still have them for payments.
The NHS in England
The first principle of our NHS is that it is free at the point of need, yet many GPs charge patients by using 084 numbers. Following UK Calling on 1st July 2015 NHS GPs still on these numbers must declare their Service Charge, which is up to 7 pence per minute.
Amended: 2015-11-02
