We are moving to a new telephone system. This may cause some initial issues and disruption to calls while it is being set up. If you have any issues, you may wish to call back at another time. We appreciate your patience while we implement the new system and apologise for any disruption that you may experience.
Planning Register and HMO Renewals
Due to essential maintenance the Planning Register and HMO Renewals will not be available from 3pm, Wednesday 21 May until the afternoon of Thursday 22 May 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Find consumer advice
Find out how to get advice about scams and other consumer issues and how to report them.
If you need help, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Text Phone on 18001 0808 223 1133 and a trained adviser can give you advice over the phone.
The helpline adviser can:
give you practical and impartial advice on how to resolve your consumer problem
tell you the law that applies to your situation
pass information about complaints on to Trading Standards - you can’t do this yourself
visit the Citizens Advice website which includes updated content on scams and a page for the Scams Action service
Signs of a scam
It might be a scam if:
it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect
someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly
you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address
you’ve been asked to transfer money quickly
you've been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union
you’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs
you haven't had written confirmation of what's been agreed
Top Tips to Be Scam Safe:
don't respond to any unexpected call, email, or text, without checking first - If it's out of the blue, check it's for you
f it's a call, hang up, find a number you can trust, and call back on that. If it's your bank, you can call back using the number on the back of your card
stop and get a second opinion if you're being forced to make a decision, or if you feel rushed
no legitimate organisation will object to you asking a friend, family member, or colleague for an opinion. They also won't object if you say no, or delay your decision
If you’d like more information about how to protect your community and the people you love from scams, visit the Friends Against Scams website and become a friend today.
Home improvements
Rogue traders are taking advantage of trade organisation schemes by presenting themselves as reputable trades people. Just because a trader is advertising on a trade organisation site, it doesn’t mean that they are legitimate.
never employ anyone who cold calls at your home, and be wary if they say they can start immediately
make sure you get details of reliable accredited builders from approved trader schemes, like the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme, and get at least 3 quotes to fit your budget
always get written proof of what you and your builder have agreed to in the form of a contract, including:
precise details of the work
time scale for the work to be completed
stage payments - never pay up front, agree stage payments which covers work up to the point the work is completed
your cancellation rights - this is a legal requirement
avoid paying in cash or by bankers draft as you may not have financial protection
check with the Building Control and Planning Departments about building regulations and planning permission - don't assume your builder or architect is dealing with this, it is your responsibility and not theirs
