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27|10|05

Ofcom consults on Home Office proposals for a single non-emergency number

Ofcom has today published a consultation on two aspects of Home Office plans to introduce a single non-emergency telephone number in the UK. This number would enable the public to report criminal or anti-social behaviour in situations which are not considered to be an emergency.

The Home Office has already consulted on the introduction of this service and has asked Ofcom to make the telephone number “101” available for this purpose.

Ofcom’s role as UK communications regulator includes the allocation and administration of telephone numbers. At the Home Office’s request, Ofcom is therefore consulting on:

• The Home Office’s proposal to use the telephone number “101” for dialling the non-emergency service;
• The Home Office’s proposal that calls to the new number should initially cost 10p per call with a review of this charge as volume and usage habits become clear.

Ofcom is seeking views from stakeholders on these two Home Office proposals. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 22 December 2005. The full document is published on Ofcom's website at www.ofcom.org.uk.

Ends.

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