MP calls for GPs to switch to low-rate numbers

Date: 30/01/2012

An MP from Coventry has called for GP surgeries to switch to local rate numbers, following reports one in ten practices are still using numbers that cost more than a call to an ordinary landline.

The Coventry Telegraph reports how Labour councillor for Coventry North East Bob Ainsworth claimed "no one should pay enhanced charges to access their GP".

His comments follow a report by Which? that estimated 13 per cent of surgeries in England are charging expensive premium rates.

Mr Ainsworth claimed poorer members of society are often those who are most affected.

He said: "There is proven evidence that people who do not have access to a fixed line and therefore depend on a mobile phone are disproportionately from the poorer sectors of society."

MP for Wentworth and Dearne John Healey recently told the Yorkshire Post that two-thirds of practices in Rotherham are still using high-rate numbers despite new government legislation.