Last updated: [PLACEHOLDER: date of last review]. This policy should be read together with our privacy policy, which explains how we handle personal data more generally.
Current position: debtfactoring.org.uk is a static website. It sets no cookies by default and no analytics or advertising tools are installed. If that changes, we will ask for your consent before any non-essential cookie is placed, and we will update this page.
1. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store on your computer or phone. When you return to the site, or visit another site that recognises the same cookie, the stored information is sent back. Cookies are used to remember settings, keep you signed in, measure how a site is used and, on many sites, to track you for advertising.
Cookies are described in a few ways:
- First-party cookies are set by the website you are visiting. Third-party cookies are set by another organisation, for example an analytics or advertising company whose code is embedded in the page.
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies stay on your device until they expire or you delete them.
- Strictly necessary (essential) cookies are needed for the site to work, for example to remember what you typed into a form. Non-essential cookies cover everything else, including analytics, preferences and marketing.
Similar technologies such as local storage, pixels and tracking scripts are treated the same way as cookies by UK law, and this policy covers them too.
2. The law on cookies and consent
In the UK cookies are governed by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), alongside UK GDPR. Regulation 6 of PECR requires a website to:
- tell you clearly which cookies it sets and what they do; and
- obtain your consent before storing or accessing any cookie on your device, unless the cookie is strictly necessary to provide a service you have asked for.
Consent must meet the UK GDPR standard: freely given, specific, informed and given by a clear positive action. Pre-ticked boxes, cookie walls that make you accept everything and "by continuing to browse you agree" banners do not count. Analytics cookies are not treated as strictly necessary, so they need consent too.
Because this site sets no non-essential cookies at present, no consent banner is shown. If we introduce one, the banner will let you reject non-essential cookies as easily as you can accept them.
3. Cookies this website uses
The tables below list every cookie category the site could use. Where a category is not in use, the table says so. We will keep these tables up to date whenever a tool is added or removed.
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are needed for the website to function and do not require consent. None is in use at present. The site's menu, FAQ accordions, back-to-top button and calculator run in your browser without storing anything on your device.
| Cookie name | Set by | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| None currently in use. | |||
| [PLACEHOLDER: e.g. cookie_consent] | [PLACEHOLDER: debtfactoring.org.uk] | [PLACEHOLDER: stores your cookie preferences so the banner is not shown again; add this row only if a consent banner is introduced] | [PLACEHOLDER: e.g. 12 months] |
3.2 Analytics and performance cookies
These cookies would help us understand how visitors use the site, for example which pages are read most and whether the calculator is used. They are not essential and will only be set with your consent. None is installed at present.
| Cookie name | Set by | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| None currently in use. | |||
| [PLACEHOLDER: cookie name(s), e.g. _ga, _ga_XXXXXXX] | [PLACEHOLDER: analytics provider, e.g. Google Analytics 4 or a privacy-focused alternative] | [PLACEHOLDER: distinguishes visitors and sessions to produce aggregated usage statistics; state whether IP addresses are anonymised and whether data leaves the UK] | [PLACEHOLDER: e.g. 2 years / 24 hours] |
If we choose an analytics tool that does not use cookies or any other device storage and collects only aggregated, non-identifying data, we will say so here. Even then, we will describe it in this policy so that you know what is running.
3.3 Marketing and advertising cookies
These cookies would be used to measure the performance of advertising campaigns or to show you relevant advertising on other websites. We do not use any. If that changes, they will be listed here and set only with your consent.
| Cookie name | Set by | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| None currently in use. | |||
| [PLACEHOLDER: cookie name(s)] | [PLACEHOLDER: advertising platform] | [PLACEHOLDER: e.g. conversion measurement for paid search campaigns] | [PLACEHOLDER: expiry] |
3.4 Third-party content
The site does not embed videos, maps, social media widgets or live-chat tools. These would set third-party cookies if added. [PLACEHOLDER: update if any embedded content or chat tool is introduced]
3.5 Form submissions
Our enquiry and contact forms are handled by [PLACEHOLDER: form-handling service]. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm whether the service sets any cookie or uses an anti-spam mechanism that stores data on the device, and list it in the relevant table above if so]. How form data itself is used is explained in our privacy policy.
4. Managing your consent on this site
Because no non-essential cookies are set, there is currently nothing to manage. If a consent banner is introduced, you will be able to change your mind at any time through a "Cookie settings" link in the website footer. [PLACEHOLDER: add the footer link and describe the consent tool once one is in place]
5. How to control cookies in your browser
Whatever a website does, you remain in control through your browser. Every major browser lets you see which cookies are stored, delete them, block third-party cookies, or block all cookies. Blocking all cookies may stop some websites working properly, although this site will work normally without them.
| Browser | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Settings, then Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies or Site settings, then Cookies and site data. |
| Microsoft Edge | Settings, then Cookies and site permissions, then Manage and delete cookies and site data. |
| Mozilla Firefox | Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Cookies and Site Data (Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks many third-party cookies by default). |
| Apple Safari (Mac) | Safari menu, then Settings, then Privacy, then Manage Website Data. Safari blocks third-party cookies by default. |
| Apple Safari (iPhone and iPad) | Settings app, then Apps, then Safari, then Advanced (or Privacy and Security on older versions), then Block All Cookies. |
| Samsung Internet | Settings, then Sites and downloads, then Cookies, or Personal browsing data to delete stored data. |
Most browsers also offer a private or incognito mode that deletes cookies automatically when you close the window. The "Do Not Track" and "Global Privacy Control" signals can be switched on in some browsers; if we add analytics in future we will state here whether those signals are honoured.
6. Contact and changes
If you have questions about cookies on this site, contact us at [PLACEHOLDER: contact email address] or through the contact form.
We will update this policy whenever a cookie or similar technology is added, changed or removed. The date at the top of the page shows the last revision.
Not sure what is running on this page?
Ask us and we will tell you exactly what the site stores on your device.
See also our privacy policy and terms and conditions.