Two new cheaper 0300 numbers launched

Rochdale Borough Council has introduced two more cheaper to call 0300 numbers, as it continues to phase out all 0845 and 0844 numbers, making it more affordable to contact the council using a mobile phone.

The new number for Adult Care is 0300 303 8886 and covers enquiries related to learning disabilities, older people, adult safeguarding, physical disabilities and vulnerable adults.

The new emergency number for contacting the council out of hours including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays is 0300 303 8875.

The new numbers cost the same to call as geographic numbers starting 01 or 02.

Calls to 0300 numbers are often included as part of inclusive minutes, discount schemes or bundled packages for mobile phone contracts in the same way as geographic calls, so will be free in many cases.

So far 15 of the most commonly dialed 0845 numbers have changed, with the final phases to be completed over the next few months.

Councillor Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods, said changing to 0300 numbers enables residents to contact the council via their mobile for the same cost as any other geographic number:

“Calling an 0300 number is included in the inclusive minutes of call plans and in discount schemes such as friends and family type plans.  But we’re also encouraging residents to try our website first, as it’s the easiest and cheapest way to access many of our services.” 

Rather than phoning the council, you can use the council’s website - www.rochdale.gov.uk  There are more things than ever you can report or apply for online without the need to pick up the phone or visit the council in person - saving time and money.  By going online you can calculate and claim benefits, request a bulky waste collection, report littering or fly-tipping, renew your library books, report a missed bin, pothole, faulty streetlight and more. You can also enquire about other council services including fostering and adoption.

0300 numbers can be used by government and not for profit organisations.  They cost 1p-9p per minute from a landline, and 10p – 40p per minute from mobiles, but are included in free minute packages.  They are charged as local rates as before. 0300 numbers are cheaper than 0845, 0844 and 0800 from landlines.

If you need access to the internet, you can log on for free at any local library.  Staff can help you set up an email account or sign you up for a course to help you get online. If you do need to phone the council, you can call them for free from the ground floor of Number One Riverside in Rochdale and at libraries in Middleton, Heywood, Littleborough, Balderstone and Milnrow.