WINCHESTER’S MP has backed a parliamentary inquiry into nuisance calls.

Steve Brine is part of an all-party group looking at the scale and impact of the problem and the effectiveness of current regulations.

Mr Brine recently met some of his constituents who have been suffering from nuisance calls and said the issue can seriously affect people’s lives, particularly the elderly.

He said: "Nuisance calls are an irritant to many but for some people, usually elderly or vulnerable groups as we heard in evidence from the Citizens Advice Bureau, they can wreck lives because they are often part of sophisticated scams which leave people crippled with debts they can't pay back.

"The whole issue is fiendishly complicated and technical, often involving calls that originate from outside UK jurisdiction, which is why we're taking such a detailed look at the problem and taking sound evidence from across the industry and consumer groups."

Paul Covill, of Fordington Road, Fulflood, raised the issue with Mr Brine at a meeting on October 11.

He said: "I know residents are backing Steve 100 per cent with his efforts, as problems surrounding incessant nuisance calls can be very serious.

"Often people are awaiting a serious call, or some personal news, and any action that can be taken to reduce and wipe out the problem will be extremely welcome."

Research commissioned by the CAB found 72 per cent of people received a cold call, text or email in the past year and more than six in 10 British adults have received unwanted contact over Payment Protection Insurance (PPI).

The cross-party group also heard evidence from Which?, Ofcom and other telecom providers and will produce its report on October 30.