External links and resources

Department of Trade and Industry - Consumer Direct

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.

Financial Services Authority

The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.

Trading Standards Central

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.

Children's Legal Centre

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.

Compact Law

The leading law portal in the UK providing legal documents and services for English law.

Legal Services Commission

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.

Age Concern

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.

Appeals Service

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

Citizens Advice Bureau Service

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.

Debt Advice Foundation

We are a registered UK debt advice charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt. We can help you understand what options are available to you and because we're a charity, you can be sure that our advice is impartial and based solely on what is best for you.

Inland Revenue

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.

Business Link East Midlands

Business Link provides access to all the information, advice and support needed to start, maintain and grow a business. We provide information and advice to help customers make the most of their opportunities. Whether you're a new or established company, we can put you in touch with experts who will help you realise your full potential and achieve your business goals.

Food and Drink iNet

A region-wide initiative co-ordinating specialist support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector.

Invest Northamptonshire

in order to stimulate the demand for commercial sites and premises within the county, the county council and its partners have established a new investment promotion agency for northamptonshire. This agency will bring the resources of the county together in attracting new investment from within and outside the county. the prime goal of the agency will be on retaining and increasing investment from the county's existing employers, through the development of an 'investor development programme'.

10 Downing Street

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.

Audit Commission

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.

Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office's role is to support the Government's delivery and reform programme.

Communities and Local Government

Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.

Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform

BERR - the Department for Business - is here to help ensure business success in an increasingly competitive world. Our role is to boost productivity and keep the UK competitive and an attractive place to do business, especially in challenging economic times, as well as to help companies succeed overseas and to bring foreign investment to the UK.

Department For Constitutional Affairs

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.

Department For Culture, Media & Sport

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.

Department For Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

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.

Department For Health

Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications

Department For International Development

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).

Department For Transport

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.

Department For Works & Pensions

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.

DirectGov

The website that takes you to the heart of government.

European Union

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.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

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.

HM Customs and Excise

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

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.

Home Office

The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales.

Info4Local

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.

Ministry Of Defence

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.

Regulatory Impact Unit

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 Electoral Commission

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.

UK Passport Service

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.

UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment's trade services offer support to companies based in the UK to achieve their export potential.

Charity Commission for England and Wales

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.

Awards for All

Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme aimed at local communities, awarding grants of between Ł500 and Ł5,000 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.

Crimestoppers

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.

Fire Kills

Stop a fire happening in your home. These webpages explain what to do, what to check and what to avoid doing.

Communities and Local Government - Planning and Building

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.

The Land Registry

The Land Registry guarantee the title to registered land in England and Wales and hold records for land ownership and interests.

The Planning Inspectorate

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

The Planning Portal offers a wide range of services and guidance on the planning system.

Disability Rights Commission

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.

Bullying Online

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.

Department for Education and Skills

The Department for Education and Skills was established with the purpose of creating opportunity, releasing potential and achieving excellence for all.

DfES Adult Learners' Gateway

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.

Learning and Skills Council

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.

Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)

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.

Sure Start Children’s Centres

NHS Northamptonshire Provider Services runs 12 Sure Start Children’s Centres in the county (some of these are linked together and share activities, for example Long Buckby and Brixworth).

UCAS

UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.

Preparing For Emergencies

This website includes the common sense advice found in the Preparing for Emergencies booklet, and information on what the government is doing to protect the country as a whole.

Institution of Waste Management

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.

Health & Safety Executive

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.

Health Protection Agency

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 (including NHS Direct)

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.

Adult Social Care

Services provided or arranged through Social Services for people who are elderly, frail, physically disabled , have learning diabilities or mental health problems to help them live independently.

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.

CAN

CAN recognises the substantial damage that drug and alcohol use may have on individuals, families and communities. In response, we exist to promote change by delivering a range of quality services that raise awareness, prevent misuse and offer interventions to improve people's lives.

ChildcareLink

As part of the National Childcare Strategy, ChildcareLink aims to help people back into the workplace by removing the childcare barrier. The ChildcareLink service is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the Scottish Executive.

Commission for Social Care Inspection

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.

Independent Living

The UK's leading site for disabled and elderly people, carers and healthcare professionals, with information, news, views and products.

Mencap

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

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.

Services for children and young people

Range of services provided or arranged through Social Services for children and young people.

Abbeyfield Housing Society

The Abbeyfield Society is a UK-wide volunteer-led charity providing housing with care for older people.

Anchor Trust

Anchor Trust is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to helping older people to live safely, securely and independently with a choice of services to suit all needs.

Homeswapper

Homeswapper is a national mutual exchange service for social housing tenants. Northampton Borough Council is registered with Homeswapper and our tenants can use the service free of charge.

Housing 21

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.

HousingNet

A UK Housing Association & Local Authority Information Directory. Home of the AddressBook, a standalone database of HA & LA contact information for list building.

LHA-ASRA

LHA-ASRA is a housing and regeneration group committed to helping people enrich their lives. We have offices at Pen Court, in Northampton, and we manage 300 homes across the town and surrounding area. To find out if we can help you, why not visit our website?

Orbit Housing Association

Orbit Housing Association is the largest Association in the Orbit Housing Group and manages homes across the country.

Shelter

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.

Charityjobs

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.

Connexions

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?

Jobcentre Plus

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.

Jobseekers-uk

Jobseekers-uk.com is a service provided by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to assist you in locating a recruitment agency best suited to finding you work - on a permanent or temporary basis.

Jobsite UK

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.

The Prince's Trust

UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers and get their lives working.

English Heritage

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.

Natural England

Natural England is an independent public body whose purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings.

Northampton Balloon Festival

Every year Northampton hosts a Balloon Festival attracting hot air balloon enthusiasts from across the country.

Connect2Northamptonshire

The Connect2 Northamptonshire Community Portal is provided for you by the 8 local authorities in the county. It is here for the people of Northamptonshire to have one place to go for all their needs and interests. From news and information to events in the area to finding your local sports club the Connect2 Northamptonshire is here to assist you.

Corby Borough Council

Daventry District Council

East Northamptonshire Council

Kettering Borough Council

Northamptonshire County Council

South Northants Council

Wellingborough Borough Council

Directory of Local Authority Web Sites

Includes all county, metropolitan, unitary, borough and district authority sites.

Local Government Ombudsman

You can use this website to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or to find out more about the Ombudsmen's work.

Northamptonshire Partnership

The Northamptonshire Partnership is made up of agencies across the public sector all working together to deliver better outcomes for residents using their services in Northamptonshire. It is the overarching partnership for the county and provides leadership and direction for collaborative working in Northamptonshire and facing out into the wider region and beyond. The Partnership Support Unit (PSU) is a strategic resource for the Northamptonshire Partnership that has been developed to help co-ordinate and support partnership working across Northamptonshire, drive innovation and transformational change in service delivery and outcomes. The Partnership’s vision is to have a county that is recognised by everybody as a successful place where people and communities want to do well, where they take up new ideas and trends, but also celebrate history, heritage and local identity. It will be a county where people will want to invest, work and enjoy life.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has been set up by government to work with local authorities and partners to make Northampton, Daventry and Towcester better places to live, work and invest.

Active Places

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.

Highways Agency

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.

Central Networks

A new distribution business combining Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity, bringing power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands.