Privacy Policy
This policy explains how personal data is handled on this website, the lawful bases we rely on under UK data protection law, and the rights you have over your information.
Request a free quote
No obligationTell us what you would like to consolidate and we will be in touch. We will never ask for bank passwords or card details.
Who we are (the data controller)
Under UK data protection law, the "data controller" is the organisation that decides how and why personal data is processed. The controller is responsible for this website and for the way any personal data described here is handled.
What personal data we collect
This is a static, educational website whose primary purpose is to publish information and interactive calculators. In its baseline form it is designed to collect little or no personal data: the calculators on this site are intended to run entirely in your browser, so figures you enter are not, by default, sent to or stored by us.
Depending on how the site is configured, the following categories of data may be processed:
- Technical data, information your browser sends automatically when you request a page, such as your IP address, device and browser type, and the pages you view. This may be processed by the hosting provider in server logs for security and reliability.
- Analytics data, if a web analytics tool is enabled, aggregated information about how visitors use the site (for example pages viewed and approximate location). See the cookie policy for detail.
- Contact data, if you choose to email us or complete a contact form, the information you provide (such as your name, email address and message).
We do not knowingly collect special category data (such as health or financial account details) and we ask that you do not send such information through this website.
Lawful bases for processing
Where we do process personal data, UK GDPR requires a lawful basis. The bases most likely to be relevant to a site like this are:
| Purpose | Likely lawful basis |
|---|---|
| Keeping the site secure and running (server logs) | Legitimate interests |
| Understanding how the site is used (analytics) | Consent (for non-essential cookies) and/or legitimate interests |
| Responding to an enquiry you send us | Legitimate interests, or steps taken at your request |
Cookies and analytics
Cookies and similar technologies are covered in detail in our separate cookie policy. In summary, this site aims to use few or no cookies, and any non-essential cookies (such as analytics) require your consent under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) before they are set.
Sharing and third-party processors
We do not sell personal data. Where data is processed on our behalf, for example by a hosting provider or an analytics service, those organisations act as our "processors" and should only handle data under a written agreement and on our instructions.
Links to other websites
This website links to external organisations, including free debt advice services such as MoneyHelper, StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice. Those sites have their own privacy policies, and this policy does not apply to them. We are not responsible for how other organisations handle your data.
How long we keep data
We aim to keep personal data only for as long as there is a genuine need. Server and security logs are typically kept for a short period; correspondence is kept for as long as needed to deal with your enquiry and any follow-up.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 you have rights over your personal data. Depending on the circumstances, these include:
- The right to be informed about how your data is used
- The right of access to a copy of your data
- The right to rectification of inaccurate data
- The right to erasure ("the right to be forgotten") in certain cases
- The right to restrict or object to processing
- The right to data portability where it applies
- Rights relating to automated decision-making and profiling
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within the time limits set by law, normally one month.
Complaining to the ICO
If you are unhappy with how your personal data has been handled, you can complain to the UK's data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at ico.org.uk. We would, however, welcome the chance to put things right first, so please consider contacting us before you approach the ICO. You can also raise a general concern through our complaints page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this policy or wish to exercise your rights, please get in touch via our contact page.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes to the site or to the law. When we do, we will revise the date shown below.
This website is an independent educational publisher. It is not a lender, broker or financial adviser. For how we use the site's information and limit our liability, see the terms and conditions and financial disclaimer.