When I called 0161 931 9070 (having first dialled 141) to get through to 0845 900 0444, I didn't get told off, the call was easy and helpful. The comment on the site about this number needs editing.

Best wishes,

Nick

Dave has asked me to post my experiences here which I have also posted as a reply on the original thread.  

I called HMRC most likely on 01355 359022, during a weekend last month (I do have the date, time and the name of the person I spoke to).  I was responding to a letter where the phone number shown was 0845 3000 627.  It was during this call that I was told that in the near future, only calls from overseas would be dealt with on the geographic number, however, this time, as a concession, my query would be dealt with.