Your Rights

As a consumer, an employee or simply a UK citizen you have a range of rights that protect the way you can be treated or expect to be treated - whether this is by your employer, a shop who've sold you an item or even by the government.  You even have rights as to the level of service you can expect from Chester City Council and how we deal with you.  If for any reason you are unhappy with us, you can let us know through our compliments, comments and complaints procedure.

This section of the site draws together a range of information designed to help you find out more about the rights open to you.

Consumer Advice - Do you know your rights when you're shopping?  How about when you're shopping online? Have you had a from hell and didn't know who to complain to? Want to know how to avoid being a scam victim?

Making a complaint - If you have to make a complaint about goods or a service you've recieved, don't worry - most traders will try hard to deal with it properly. Remember, the law may well be on your side if you have good cause for complaint - so don't give up.

Data Protection - If you want to know whether information is held about you and if so what, you will need to write to the person or organisation you believe holds the information.

Junk Mail and Calls - There are a number of schemes that allow consumers to register their wish not to receive unsolicited marketing material or approaches.

Identity Theft - Identity theft affects over 100,000 people every year. By obtaining a few of your personal details it is possible for a criminal to open up bank accounts, obtain credit cards, claim benefits and also apply for official documents such as a driving licence, all of which will be traceable to you.

Human Rights Act - The Human Rights Act 1998 gives legal effect in the UK to certain fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ).

Citizenship - The Immigration and Nationality Directorate in the Home Office is responsible for applications for British nationality, permission to stay in Britain, citizenship and asylum. Their website provides forms and application information on all aspects of immigration and nationality procedures.

Diversity and Discrimination - Information and contacts on the issues of gender, race and disability rights.

Right to Vote - In many countries around the world, including the UK, people have fought to gain the right to vote. The right for women to vote on equal terms with men in the UK was still being argued about only 70 years ago. But having the right to vote is not enough. A strong and stable democracy also relies on people using their votes. By voting, you can hold your elected representatives accountable.

Employee Rights - Find out how employment rights work in the UK and get a personalised statement of your employment rights and responsibilities

Freedom of Information - The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives you the right to access information held by public authorities including Chester City Council. The Act came into force in November 2005.

Age Discrimination - Society is changing and the working population as a whole is getting older. The number of people aged under 50 is set to fall by two per cent by 2016, while the number aged between 50 and 69 is set to increase by 17 per cent. Better health standards mean that some people are choosing to work longer.