DUNFERMLINE MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has pledged to help in the fight against nuisance phone calls.

A new commission was set up by the Scottish Government this week aimed at tackling the issue in Scotland and Ms Somerville has given it her full support.

She plans to raise the problem of nuisance calls in the Dunfermline area with the Nuisance Calls Commission and has invited any constituents plagued by cold calls to get in touch with her office.

She said: “Cold-calling can be very distressing, particularly for vulnerable people across Dunfermline and West Fife – and can go as far as causing financial hardship and even leave people scared to answer their phone.

“The Scottish Government has been taking action to prevent nuisance calls and this new Nuisance Calls Commission will help give individuals and businesses more power to stop cold-calling, whilst exploring if stronger regulation is necessary.

“I intend to raise the issue of nuisance calls in the Dunfermline area with the Commission – and invite any concerned individuals to get in touch to talk about their experience.

“The Commission is an important step in helping to tackle the problem. 

“Whilst the UK government announcement on banning pensions cold calling is welcome, more can be done to protect individuals – and the Scottish Government intends to use newly devolved powers to do what it can to prevent nuisance calls, whilst urging the UK government to do more and to work with them to take concerted action.”