Helpston Parish Council Website Privacy Policy
Last updated: [Insert Date]
Helpston Parish Council is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled securely and lawfully. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information about you when you use our website.
1. Who We Are
Helpston Parish Council is the first tier of local government for the village of Helpston, Cambridgeshire. Our website is managed to inform and engage residents on local matters, services, and events.
Data Controller: Helpston Parish Council
Contact Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: [Insert address if required]
2. What Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of data:
- Contact information you provide via forms (e.g. name, email address, message content)
- Email communications sent to the Council or Clerk
- Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and operating system (collected via anonymous analytics if enabled)
- Cookies (only where necessary and with your consent – see Section 6)
We do not collect or process special category data (e.g. health, race, religion) through our website.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data only when necessary and for the following purposes:
- To respond to your enquiries or requests
- To provide you with updates on Parish Council activities if requested
- To improve the usability and functionality of the website
- To comply with legal obligations and safeguard public interests
We do not use your data for marketing or share it with third-party advertisers.
4. Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:
- Consent – where you have submitted a form or opted in to receive updates
- Public task – for responding to public queries or consultation participation
- Legal obligation – for record-keeping or where disclosure is required by law
5. How We Store and Protect Your Data
We store your personal data securely and take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, or loss. Emails and form submissions are stored within the Council’s secure systems and are only accessible to authorised staff or councillors when appropriate.
Data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or as required by law.
6. Cookies
Cookies are small text files that may be placed on your device when you visit our site. They help improve website functionality or track anonymous usage statistics.
We may use essential cookies for:
- Site navigation and performance
- Security and fraud prevention
Non-essential cookies (such as Google Analytics or embedded services) will only be used with your consent. You will be notified of these via a cookie banner or settings panel on your first visit.
7. Your Rights
Under data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion of your data where appropriate
- Object to or restrict our processing of your data
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
You can exercise these rights by contacting the Parish Clerk at: [email protected]
8. Third Parties and External Links
Our website may include links to external sites (e.g. Peterborough City Council, local organisations). This policy applies only to our website; we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites.
We do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with any external third parties without your consent unless legally required.
9. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to remain compliant with UK data protection laws. Any significant changes will be posted on this page.
10. Contact Us
For questions or concerns regarding your privacy or this policy, please contact:
Helpston Parish Council
Email: [email protected]