Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to introduce 0800 and other free numbers for public helpline services to government departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement.

In October 2015 the Government published guidance on department’s use of telephone prefixes and free numbers which can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/470411/20151006_Customer_phone_lines_draft_guidance_October_2015.pdf

Departments are responsible and accountable for their choice of number prefix, supported by an appropriate numbering policy position. Where appropriate, departments must justify exceptions to the guidance.