Devon Country Council should be ashamed of themselves with

their proliferation of revenue 0845 producing telephone numbers.

Unlike Cornwall County Council who use 0300 Telephone

numbers. Meaning a standard rate call and for many people inclusive calls.

There are people who are not able to afford a fixed

telephone line or may not be with a telecom operator that is giving some relief

from the costs of making these calls.  Not that the foregoing basic call

times are when Devon Council are open.

People are without a line for many reasons, it is just not

cost. They may be in rented accommodation with minimum 6 month rental

tenure.  This is the normal set tenure unless agreed prior to taking that

tenure on.

Against that background using all mobiles will cost up to 40

pence a minute to call Devon County Council. Tariff Prices start at 20 pence

per minute.

Even with a fixed line you can be looking at 9 pence

connection charge and up to 12 pence per minute.

The use of 0845 is a big marketing con. They are not charged

at Local Call Rate - they are Lo-call Rate.  A lower cost premium rate

number. Many businesses and other Authorities con the public on this matter.

Because some businesses and other make millions of pounds,

they are always going to resist losing them. Using creative energy to cover up

the real reasons for using them rather then make it fair for the end user.

The previous government were not interested because they are

getting VAT. The higher the cost to you the more money they get (and waste).

We need standard 01,02 or 03 telephone numbers to make it

fair for all. Some Authorities are using 0300 telephone numbers. These numbers

were designed for them.

But some just love holding you on the phone (normally

playing musak) whilst you pay a premium.

Devon County Council are not alone. Devon and Cornwall

Police against the advice of ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) also

rip off the public. The BBC also do for local Radio and Services. Having

changed only their London based services to standard or free call rates.