Company directors to face fines for unsolicited calls

The government has outlined new proposals to fine bosses of UK businesses which make unsolicited phone calls.

Figures published by regulator Ofcom revealed that consumers received 3.9 billion unsolicited phone calls and texts in 2017.

As part of a government consultation on the matter, bosses of firms making cold calls could be fined up to £500,000 and be held personally liable for their company’s actions.

Currently, businesses are held responsible for making unsolicited calls, and are liable to fines of up to £500,000 if they are caught doing so.

The new proposals will also make it easier for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to ‘more effectively share information’ with Ofcom in regard to nuisance calls and texts.

Commenting on the issue, Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, said: ‘Nuisance calls are a blight on society and we are determined to stamp them out.

‘For too long a minority of company directors have escaped justice by liquidating their firms and opening up again under a different name.

‘We want to make sure the Information Commissioner has the powers she needs to hold rogue bosses to account and put an end to these unwanted calls.’

The consultation closes in August.