Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, is fighting to ensure that residents will not be charged extortionate rates for calling their local police.
Gavin wrote to the Police and Crime Commissioner after a number of residents got in touch to raise their concerns about a new 0845 number that was recently published in the Perton Pages.
The number, which connects through to Staffordshire Police, is printed in the June issue of the local parish magazine.
Gavin said: “It is ridiculous that a premium rate number is being advertised to local residents as the best way to reach the police.
“Many of those seeking help will be extremely vulnerable and potentially earning a low income. The idea that they should have to pay for assistance is shocking.”
Telephone numbers starting with 0845 are classed as 'non-geographic' numbers, which means they are not tied to a particular location. These numbers are usually used by large companies, banks and other businesses.
Calls to 0845 numbers can cost between 1p and 10.5p a minute from landlines, and 12p-41p from mobiles.
New Cabinet Office guidance, published in December 2013, stated that all central departments, public bodies and Government services provided by external contractors should stop using premium rate phone lines.
The guidance stated: "It is inappropriate for callers to pay substantial charges for accessing core public services, particularly for vulnerable and low income groups.”