Council switchboard number changing

Camden Council’s old switchboard number - 0207 278 4444 - is being turned off from next month, making the Council's current number, 020 7974 4444, the only way to contact the Council switchboard and the out of hours emergency telephone service. The difference between the two numbers is small but the cost of keeping them working is large, so the old number – 020 7278 4444 – is being switched off.

Anyone who calls the old number from 1 December 2009 will hear a pre-recorded message which will tell them to redial our current switchboard number 020 7974 4444.The old number was originally diverted to the current switchboard number. However in July this year the charges were increased so we are saving money by closing the old number.The recorded message on the old number will stay in place for six months until the number is disconnected completely.

The key point of course is what happens when you get through to the council's switchboard. All the feedback is that in the last couple of years the quality of the response you get has improved, we know there is more to do. The range of council services is huge, and getting people through to the right person is quite a challenge.