Government should do more to protect vulnerable people targeted by cold callers, says Bolton MP

Bolton North East MP David Crausby says cold calling has risen "dramatically" over the past few years, and that people can feel "harassed, vulnerable and under pressure" as a result.

Mr Crausby is now calling on the Government to conduct a review of the Telephone Preference Service, which allows residents to request that they do not receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls.

He says that people have contacted him to say that even after they have signed up to the service, the cold calls have continued.

The Government recently introduced measures to force firms who use cold callers to display their phone numbers, making it easier for people to report nuisance calls.

Mr Crausby says he welcomes these changes, but has urged the Government to go further.

He said: "I am pleased that cold callers will no longer be able to hide behind withheld numbers, but I continue to receive complaints from frustrated residents that calls keep on coming even after signing up for the Telephone Preference Service.

"I want the Government to review the service and make sure that vulnerable people are properly protected from sales calls and scams.”

He is one of 29 MPs from a range of political parties to sign an early day motion in parliament, asking the Government to review and improve the Telephone Preference Service.

Residents who wish to register with the Telephone Preference Service can call 0845 070 0707 or visit www.tpsonline.org.uk

Nuisance calls or texts can be reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk/concerns or on 0303 123 1113