Benefits, rights and citizenship information

We think you will find the following links useful, but please note that Cheshire East Council accepts no responsibility for external sites or their contents.

S = a subscription service brought to you free of charge by Cheshire East Libraries

Rights, law and citizenship

• Disability Rights and Advice
• European Court of Human Rights
• Family-solicitors.co.uk Guide to family and consumer law, with links to finding a solicitor in this field
• Go CitizenS Prepare for 'Life in the UK' and 'British Citizenship' tests
• GOV.UK British Citizenship and life in the UK Passports, voting and how Government works
• HM Courts and Tribunal Service
• Information Commissioner Guidance about Data Protection, Privacy and freedom of Information
• Issues OnlineIssues OnlineS Educational resources on citizenship and participation
• Judiciary of England and Wales
• Learn English Free website from the British Council for learners and teachers of English
• Legal Aid from GOV.UK Find out about Legal Aid, eligibility criteria and how to claim it
• Legislation.gov.uk A single legislation service which replaces the OPSI and Statute Law Database websites. Provides a wide range of legislation including Public General Acts, Local Acts and Statutory Instruments

• Solicitors-Online Law Society advice on finding the right lawyer in your area

• UK Border Agency Advice about immigration, asylum and British citizenship
• Voting Register to vote or apply for vote by proxy. GOV.UK website
• Write to them Help with identifying and writing a letter to your local Councillor, MP or MEP
• Your rights and the law Gov.UK website explaining what citizens need to know about their rights and legality

Consumer information and advice

• Advertising Standards Authority
• British and Irish Ombudsman Association Lists ombudsmen and other complaint-handling bodies
• Buy with Confidence Businesses that have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards
• Cheshire Trading Standards
• Citizen's Advice Bureau Provides a wide range of tips and advice on the most common issues and how to solve them
• Consumer rights Gov.UK service detailing consumer rights in England and Wales
• Food Standards Agency Independent government department responsible for food safety and hygiene across the UK
• Get Safe Online Easy to understand online safety information
• Good Garage Scheme Aid to finding local, independent garages. Garages are rated using feedback provided by members of the public. Customer comments are posted on the website
• Monitor NHS complaints service
• Ofcom Regulator for TV, radio and telecommunications
• Which? Consumer rights Sample letters, step-by-step guides on how to make a complaint and guidance on relevant legislation
• Which? Online  S - available only in Libraries Subscription service brought to you free of charge by Cheshire Libraries

Money and debt advice

• Financial Conduct Authority
• How to Get Out of Debt A step by step guide from PayPlan
• Issues Online S Educational resources on money and finance
• Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com Advice on the cheapest ways to buy all sorts of goods and services
• Money Advice Service Free, unbiased independent advice
• National Debtline Debt advice

Welfare and benefits

• Cheshire Home Choice Details of recent housing benefit changes
• HM Revenue and Customs Information on benefits and credits
• Stonewall Welfare information for LGBT communities