The version of the OFTEL Specified Numbering Scheme dated 8 September 2000 includes designations that potentially pave the way for renumbering to 8-digit numbers.
However, no formal announcements have yet been made regarding renumbering in these areas, and OFTEL have indicated that no changes will take place without public consulation, so please do not assume that that renumbering will take place as indicated, or, indeed, at all.
DE code(s)
20 01606 Northwich 21 01253 Blackpool 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 01200 Clitheroe, 01995 Garstang 29 01229 Barrow-in-Furness @, 01539 Kendal @
30 01744 St. Helens 31 01695 Ormskirk 32 01625 Macclesfield 33 34 35 01942 Wigan * 36 01704 Southport 37 01772 Preston * 38 39 01925 Warrington
40 41 01768 Penrith @ 42 01946 Whitehaven @ 43 01228 Carlisle 44 45 01931 Shap 46 47 01260 Congleton 48 49 01524 Lancaster @
5x not designated, intended for 0161 Manchester, which has no 5xx
60 61 62 63 01244 Chester * 64 01829 Tarporley 65 66 67 01477 Holmes Chapel 68 69 01697 Wigton @
70 71 72 01624 Isle of Man 73 74 75 76 77 78 01204 Bolton 79 01900 Workington
8x not designated, but intended for 0151 Liverpool, which has few 8xx
90 91 01254 Blackburn 92 01270 Crewe 93 01928 Runcorn 94 01257 Chorley 95 01565 Knutsford 96 01706 Rochdale 97 98 01282 Burnley 99 (not available)
* 01244 Chester was also included in the earlier "All Wales" scheme, while Preston and Wigan were included (with different "DE " digits designated) in the earlier designations for various Large Cities
@ These codes already cover more than one charging area