Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 17 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 2008. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Telephones: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he plans to respond to the Ofcom report on the extra charges imposed on those paying for telephonic use who choose not to use direct debit.

Answer: [holding answer 20 March 2008]: Additional charges levied by communications providers on their customers’ bills are a matter for the regulator and not the Government, and has been addressed by Ofcom’s review. Because of the widespread concern about extra charges, such as not paying bills by direct debits, Ofcom is currently consulting on its review of additional charges and the introduction of new guidance for communications providers who levy such charges on consumers. The consultation process will end on 8 May 2008.Ofcom is then proposing to allow three months for companies to bring their contract terms and marketing material into line with the guidance. It will also publish a checklist for customers on what to look out for before they sign on the dotted line.

Secondary information