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

• Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre services include advice on immigration and discrimination, support for asylum seekers and refugees, and social activities
• Disability Rights and Advice from Gov.UK
• European Court of Human Rights
• GOV.UK British Citizenship and life in the UK passports, voting and how Government works
• HM Courts and Tribunal Service
• Information Commissioner's Office guidance about Data Protection, Privacy and Freedom of Information
• Judiciary of England and Wales
• Lasting and enduring powers of attorney Forms available on Gov.UK
• 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
• Life in the UK Test free practice tests and study materials
• Life in the UK Test Web free practice questions taken from the latest handbook, as well as study materials and test centre information
• Visas and Immigration 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 legal support Gov.UK website explaining what citizens need to know about their rights and legality

Consumer information and advice

• Advertising Standards Authority
• 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
• 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
• Ombudsman Association Lists ombudsmen and other complaint-handling bodies
• Which? Consumer rights sample letters, step-by-step guides on how to make a complaint and guidance on relevant legislation
• Which? Online S subscription service brought to you free of charge by Cheshire Libraries

Misinformation, fake news and online safety

• Full Fact fighting bad information
• Get Safe Online easy to understand online safety information
• Scam awareness Citizens Advice help for spotting and reporting scams, and advice on what to do if you've been scammed

Money and debt advice

• Financial Conduct Authority
• Managing your money online free short courses from Learn My Way
• Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com advice on the cheapest ways to buy all sorts of goods and services
• MoneyHelper free, unbiased independent advice provided by the Money and Pensions Service
• Money and mental health advice from Mind
• Money and Pensions Service
• National Debtline debt advice
• Olio sharing app for surplus food and non-food items
• Priority Services Register a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply
• Social tariffs cheaper broadband and phone packages
• Step Change information and help to become free from debt
• Too Good To Go low cost food near you
• Trussell Trust find a food bank
• Turn2Us help for all situations leading to financial insecurity

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