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Main Forum >> Government and Public Sector >> Police Helpline after the Cumbria Mass Shooting
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Message started by loddon on Jun 2nd, 2010 at 10:25pm

Title: Police Helpline after the Cumbria Mass Shooting
Post by loddon on Jun 2nd, 2010 at 10:25pm
I see the police have published a 0800 number for their helpline.   Once again we have the ridiculous problem that what is clearly intended to be a helpful, considerate and generous gesture by the Cumbrian police fails abysmally.

Those calling from a landline will be able to call the police free of charge but those calling from a mobile will be subject to a charge of up to 40p per :( minute!

This is particularly ironic given the recently closed consultation by Ofcom on non-geographic numbering structure.

This is something which really must be sorted out by Ofcom.

Surely the police should have chosen an 03 number or even a normal geographic number either of which would have been better than the 0800.

Title: Re: Police Helpline after the Cumbria Mass Shootin
Post by SilentCallsVictim on Jun 3rd, 2010 at 5:56am
No reference is given for this comment - nor is the number quoted.

Are we sure that the number in question is not within the Helplines Association Scheme, which means that nearly all mobile companies would waive their charges? It would unquestionably qualify, so it is an administrative oversight if this has not been done.

If this is perhaps a new line that has been set up specially then in circumstances like this I imagine that most of the mobile companies would agree to waive their charges if simply approached directly, rather than waiting for the formal procedures to be completed. In similar cases previously the Helplines Association has itself taken the initiative. Members, who are often quick to spot these cases, may like to make a note of the Helplines Association telephone number and always give them a call when this happens. See http://helplines.community.officelive.com/contactus.aspx for a choice of numbers and a most extensive briefing on call costs.

Clearly it would be better if providers of 080 helplines did not have to go through this additional step. It does however provide a means for issuing a single number that enables those who pay at a hefty rate for geo and 03 calls to get help without any charge. We have a workaround; let us hope for a full solution in the not too distant future.

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