External links and web resources
We have a growing database of resources and external links that you may find useful. Select a category from the list below.
Note: Rossendale Borough Council are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Advice - Consumer
Top of the page
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, providing practical, impartial advice to help sort out problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services. Help and advice is offered to every single consumer in Great Britain who is buying or has bought goods or services.
The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.
This site provides a wealth of information for consumers and businesses, schools, advice and information centres, community organisations, local councils, business support agencies and trade associations.
Advice - Legal
Top of the page
The Children's Legal Centre is a unique, independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. The Children's Legal Centre has many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation to children, their carers and professionals throughout the UK.
The leading law portal in the UK providing legal documents and services for English law.
Looking after legal aid in England and Wales and responsible for ensuring that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of everyday problems.
Advice and Benefits
Top of the page
Age Concern is the UK's largest organisation working with and for older people. They provide vital local services as well as influencing public opinion and government. Every day they are in touch with thousands of older people enabling them to make more of life.
The Appeals Service was formally launched on 3rd April 2000. The Service arranges and hears appeals on decisions on Social Security, Child Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Vaccine Damage, Tax Credit and Compensation Recovery, Child Tax Credit and Pensions Credit
This site provides comprehensive information about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Find out if you qualify and at what rate you are likely to be paid. Contains guidance on application, how the Department of Work and Pensions make decisions about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and more.
The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. From its origins in 1939 as an emergency service during World War II, it has evolved into a professional national agency.
Gingerbread is an organisation for Lone Parent Families. It is the leading and largest charity providing help for 3.5 million lone parents and their children nationally.
Help Direct is a support and information service for all adults aged 18 and over across Lancashire. Our service is designed to help people get the right practical support, information and advice that they need before a small problem becomes a crisis. Help Direct can be accessed by phone, email or face-to-face at all of our drop-in centres. People can also find our advisors at some local GP surgeries, libraries, community centres and many more.
The Inland Revenue is here to ensure that everyone understands and receives what they are entitled to and understands and pays what they owe, so that everyone contributes to the UK's needs.
Parentline Plus works to offer help and support through an innovative range of free, flexible, responsive services - shaped by parents for parents.
Information on the Governments Pension Credit Scheme
Arts, Museums & Galleries
Top of the page
Business
Top of the page
Business link is a business support, advice and information service managed by the DTI, with local presence across England.
Jadu Content Management (CMS) powers this website and enables the council to publish content to the web.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for the Government's welfare reform agenda. Its aim is to promote opportunity and independence for all. It delivers support and advice through a modern network of services to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people.
Regenerate Pennine Lancashire is a new kind of organisation called an economic development company, designed to help increase prosperity and life choices for people living and working in Pennine Lancashire and to attract in others to work, live or visit.
Central Government
Top of the page
This site's purpose is to promote the UK overseas, communicate Government news and information, explain the role and history of Number 10 as a building, and the office of Prime Minister as an institution.
The Cabinet Office's role is to support the Government's delivery and reform programme.
The Department For Constitutional Affairs are responsible in government for upholding justice, rights and democracy. They aim to empower citizens to obtain justice, safeguard their rights, and participate in a transparent and accountable democratic process.
The Department For Culture, Media & Sport aims to improve the quality of life for all cultural and sporting activities and through the strengthening of the tourism, creative and leisure industries.
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) was created in June 2001 * to drive forward the Government's programmes on the environment, food and rural affairs. They work for the essentials of life - food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants. Their remit is the pursuit of sustainable development - weaving together economic, social and environmental concerns.
Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications
The Department for International Development (DFID) was established in 1997, as the successor to the Overseas Development Administration, previously part of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.
The DTI drives the Government's ambition of 'prosperity for all' by working to create the best environment for business success in the UK. They help people and companies become more productive by promoting enterprise, innovation and creativity.
The European Union (EU) is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing states, but it is more than any other international organisation. Its Member States have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides a range of essential services to the public - from advising British travellers to issuing UK visas and promoting trade and investment opportunities overseas.
HMSO delivers a wide range of services to the public, information industry and government relating to access and re-use of government information.
HM Customs and Excise is a Government department with responsibility for collecting billions of pounds in revenue each year in VAT, other taxes and customs duties. We also have a vital front-line role in protecting our society from illegal imports of drugs, alcohol and tobacco smuggling and tax fraud.
HM Treasury aims to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life, with economic and employment opportunities for all.
The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales.
This site provides the first one-stop portal for local authorities to get quick and easy access to information they need on the web sites of central government departments, agencies and public bodies.
The purpose of the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces, is to defend the United Kingdom, and Overseas Territories, our people and interests; act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security.
The Office Of The Deputy Prime Minister was created as a central department in its own right in May 2002. It is responsible for policy on housing, planning, devolution, regional and local government and the fire service. It also takes responsibility for the Social Exclusion Unit, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions.
This website highlights the many steps taken to give more accountable Government, enable Parliament to hold the executive to account and to provide the lively debate that every good democracy needs.
The Regulatory Impact Unit (RIU) is based at the centre of Government in the Cabinet Office. Its role is to work with other government departments, agencies and regulators to help ensure that regulations are fair and effective. Regulations protect people at work, consumers and the environment, but it is important to strike the right balance so that they do not impose unnecessary burdens on businesses or stifle growth.
The Official Documents website contains a selection of Government titles covering a very broad range of topics including the economy, work and welfare, health, transport and the environment.
The official website of the British Monarchy.
The website that takes you to the heart of government.
The United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) site aims to assist new applicants and existing passport holders by providing information and online facilities for all aspects of application, renewal and amendments of passports for British nationals resident in the UK.
This is the website of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office. It provides links to government and non-government sources on a wide variety of emergencies and crises that can affect the UK, plus emergency planning guidance and government information.
UK online's section for young people aged 11 to 18.
Charity Commission
Top of the page
The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Our aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales in order to increase charities' effectiveness and public confidence and trust.
Community, People and Living
Top of the page
Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme aimed at local communities, awarding grants of between £500 and £5,000 in a simple and straightforward way. Awards for All can fund projects that enable people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, as well as projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community.
The Crime Reduction Website provides information and resources for people working to reduce crime in their local area.
Crimestoppers operates across the UK to help identify, prevent, solve and reduce crime. This invaluable community service enables anyone with details of criminal activity to pass them on anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution.
Stop a fire happening in your home. These webpages explain what to do, what to check and what to avoid doing.
Penninelancashire.com features sections on lifestyle, working, places to visit and things to do.
The YPS is an organisation specially created to provide a wide range of services, existing opportunities and positive choices for young people aged 11-25 living in Lancashire. YPS provides young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to – so that no matter where you live, what you are interested in or what issues you face, we hope we have something to offer you.
Council and Democracy
Top of the page
Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
You can use this website to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or to find out more about the Ombudsmen's work.
An independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament in November 2000. It's aim is to increase public confidence in the democratic process within the United Kingdom - and encourage people to take part - by modernising the electoral process, promoting public awareness of electoral matters, and regulating political parties.
In Whitworth, local government services are provided by three local authorities - Whitworth Town Council, Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. Whitworth Town Council consists of 12 elected members (Councillors), who are served by a Town Clerk. The Mission Statement of the Council is "To improve the quality of life for the community of Whitworth".
Development and Planning Services
Top of the page
Building Regulations Division deals with Building Regulations, which ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction. The regulations also promote energy efficiency in buildings and contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people.
This website provides information on all aspects of planning and building control, including building regulations, listings of Council Planning Offices and local relevant services and suppliers.
The Land Registry guarantee the title to registered land in England and Wales and hold records for land ownership and interests.
The Planning Inspectorate's main work is the processing of planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into local development plans. They also deal with a wide variety of other planning related casework including listed building consent appeals, advertisement appeals, and reporting on planning applications.
The Planning Portal offers a wide range of services and guidance on the planning system.
Disabled Services
Top of the page
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is an independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
Education
Top of the page
Bullying Online was founded in April 1999 by Liz Carnell and her son John, as a direct result of their experience of dealing with school bullying. They decided to share their knowledge with other parents and pupils and identified the Internet as the most cost effective medium. Bullying Online became a UK-registered charity in May 2000 and has four trustees.
The Department for Education and Skills was established with the purpose of creating opportunity, releasing potential and achieving excellence for all.
Developed by the Department of Education and Skills (DfES), and partner organisations, way to learn is a web portal for adult learners. The portal pulls together, in one convenient place, links to all the information that adult learners may need. This will help you make better-informed decisions about learning.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.
Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions and youth work. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.
Working to improve basic skills, identified as the ability to read, write, speak and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general. Provides standards for schools; family literacy and numeracy programmes; work with voluntary and community organisations; open learning; financial literacy, and workplace basic skills programmes.
UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
Emergencies
Top of the page
Environment
Top of the page
Established in 1973, CAT is a leading environmental charity and a pioneer in the field of sustainable technology. The free Information Service answers around 10,000 enquiries per year on all aspects of sustainable living, such as household energy efficiency, domestic wind turbines and solar panels.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), is the professional body which represents over 6,000 waste management professionals - predominantly in the UK but also overseas. The CIWM sets the professional standards for individuals working in the waste management industry and has various grades of membership determined by education, qualification and experience.
The leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
Health
Top of the page
Britain's Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain.
The Health Protection Agency is a new national organisation for England and Wales. It is dedicated to protecting people's health and reducing the impact of infectious diseases, chemical hazards, poisons and radiation hazards. It brings together the expertise of health and scientific professionals.
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on what to do if you or your family are feeling ill; particular health conditions; local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies, self help and support organisations.
This site connects you to your local NHS services and provides national information about the NHS. Find out what the NHS is, how the NHS works, and how you can use it.
Health and Social Care
Top of the page
Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection is the single, independent inspectorate for social care in England. Bringing together the inspection, regulation and review of all social care services, the Commission for Social Care Inspection's primary function is to promote improvements in social care.
The UK's leading site for disabled and elderly people, carers and healthcare professionals, with information, news, views and products.
A method of signposting you to non-medical services that are available in the community
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers. Mencap offers information and advice on a range of learning disability issues, provide support, including housing, education, employment and leisure activities and campaign to bring about positive changes in the people's lives.
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Housing
Top of the page
The Abbeyfield Society is a UK-wide volunteer-led charity providing housing with care for older people.
Join the FREE online Forum of Council Exchanges, add your Home to the Council Exchange Community, view Exchanges and reply to ones of interest.
Housing 21 has more than 35 years experience providing services for older people. They currently provide sheltered housing to nearly 16,000 older people and make around 2 million home care visits a year.
A UK Housing Association & Local Authority Information Directory. Home of the AddressBook, a standalone database of HA & LA contact information for list building.
Orbit Housing Association is the largest Association in the Orbit Housing Group and manages homes across the country.
Shelter is a national organisation with local solutions working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people. They provide free, professional and independent advice to over 100,000 people each year throughout England and Scotland.
Jobs and Careers
Top of the page
Bringing the job market directly to your desktop, Charityjobs is the UK's premier Charity job site for those looking for Charity work across the UK and Europe.
13-19? Living in England? If you want information and advice designed just for you, or just someone to talk to, then Connexions has it all - and if you're 16 why not sign up for an exclusive Connexions Card?
This site provides help and advice on job hunting and extra support, help and advice on making a claim for benefit, Information for organisations working with and alongside Jobcentre Plus.
The original, award-winning UK job search and jobs by email service. Want to find your next job as quickly and easily as possible? Start searching for jobs now with Jobsite and send your CV straight to the top recruitment agencies and employers in your sector.
UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers and get their lives working.
Leisure and Culture
Top of the page
English Heritage make sure that the historic environment of England is properly maintained and cared for. By employing some of the country's very best architects, archaeologists and historians, English Heritage aim to help people understand and appreciate why the historic buildings and landscapes around them matter.
The leisure trust has a growing development team working in the areas of Sport, Arts and Healthy Lifestyles. The work of the organisation is overseen by a board of trustees, drawn from the community. The Trust works in many areas, with current projects ranging from the highly successful Kids Ski Club to Girls in Sport to Arts in the community.
CLAW provides security to the future of the Whitworth Leisure Centre and The Riverside, whilst ensuring that the best interests of the community are maintained.
Local Authority Building Control
Top of the page
Sport
Top of the page
This website allows you to search for sports facilities anywhere in England by a number of different ways. You can browse an interactive map of the country, search for facilities in your local area, use the name and address of a specific facility to find out more information.
Transport and Streets
Top of the page
The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. They have a major role in delivering the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport. They also fulfil an international role by building good working relationships and sharing experience and expertise with other overseas road administrations. This helps promote the value of UK knowledge, expertise and best practice across the world to support UK industry.
The UK's largest scheduled coach company.
A service which provides impartial journey planning information about all public transport services - buses, coaches, trains, ferries, trams, metro and underground - throughout England, Wales and Scotland. At present it offers information based on details in published timetables.
Utilities
Top of the page
BT is a UK wide communications solutions provider with a global reach in the business market.
A new distribution business combining Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity, bringing power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands.
The National Grid delivers around half the nation's energy needs through its 275,000km of pipework and runs Britain's national gas emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
