15th October 2007
For immediate release

MP steps up campaign against BT charges

Local MP John Healey has opened up a new front in his bid to get BT to drop its charges for customers who don’t pay their bills by direct debit.

The BT move is costing many customers, especially the elderly, an extra £18 a year.

The MP wrote to the Chief Executive of BT 6-months ago when he first heard about the planned changes, asking them to reconsider their decision to implement the new charge.

He told Mr Verwaayen in a letter in April:

“I am concerned about the changes BT are planning to introduce in May.

“The additional charge of £4.50 per quarter is likely to have a noticeable impact on those already vulnerable, such as pensioners and families on low-incomes.

“I would ask that you reconsider your decision to impose this charge on your customers.”

The MP has now taken the matter up with the telecoms regulator OFCOM.

He said:

“As regulators for the industry I want to know what OFCOM think about the new charges that BT introduced earlier this year, and how they believe that charging customers £18 a year for not paying by direct debit can be justified.

“I am very concerned that loyal customers seem to be being penalised through no fault of their own, simply because they choose not to pay their bills by direct debit and conform to the way in which BT prefers people to pay.

“It seems unfair to me that if you are a customer who always pays your bill on time, but you are unable to set-up direct debits - or if you simply prefer to pay your bill by cash or cheque - you are charged more for that decision.

“I want BT and OFCOM to look again at this decision, and consider how the charge might be having an impact on those who are affected by it.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For more information please contact Joanne Wilson, Researcher to John Healey MP on Tel (01709) 512463.