Steve Brine has warmly welcomed news that the government is to strengthen rules on companies that bombard people with marketing calls and texts.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP has worked with the All Party Group on Nuisance Calls since its inception, and he has spoken to a large number of constituents, many of them elderly and vulnerable, who have been left angry, frustrated and even too scared to pick up their telephones.
Mr Brine said: "These calls and texts are nothing but a nuisance for most of us, who all lead busy lives and can do without these unsolicited interruptions, but it makes me downright angry when I speak to older people in particular who feel they cannot answer their phone as they may be harassed or pressured into buying some product or service.
"Currently, legislation punishes companies who it is proved have caused "substantial damage or substantial stress", which frankly isn't good enough. Government is now consulting on lowering this threshold, which is just not working, to crack down on calls and texts which cause "annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety" which is far stronger, and fines of up to £500,000 should certainly concentrate their minds."
The campaign has been backed by Which? magazine, and executive director Richard Lloyd, said: "Changing the rules so it's easier for regulators to punish the companies making nuisance calls is a big step forward and a victory for the 125,000 people who supported our Calling Time campaign."
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The consultation, which closes on 7th December, can be accessed here