Treasury fleeces low-income groups via premium rate

The Mail reports that tax officials have been told to keep callers on the line for longer, to maximise the revenue 'earned' by the Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits helpline (0845 300 3900).

The whistleblower says the result is that calls are now stretched out from an average of five minutes to eight:

‘The managers say it’s to avoid mistakes so we can double-check things with callers, but that’s rubbish because inputting errors hardly ever happen,’ said the source.

‘All the staff are convinced it’s to make more money. Most people call us from mobile phones, because poorer people can’t afford a landline and most of the younger generation have mobiles.

Nice little earner for a 'service' which is a monopoly. Of course, the department denies culpability.

Don't let them get away with it. Every 0845 and 0870 number has an alternative national number which these b@stards don't publish.

The equivalent national numbers for 0845 300 3900 can be found on SayNoTo0870.com.