This document is a website cookie policy. It can be used by websites which are based in the United Kingdom.

It is important for a website to have a cookie policy because the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (which are retained in the United Kingdom laws following 1 January 2021) require that any website which uses cookies must:

  • inform the user that the website uses cookies; and
  • explain what the cookies are doing and why.

These rules also apply to similar technologies which perform the same function as cookies, such as web beacons, action tags, local shared objects, flash cookies, single-pixel gifs. The policy can be used to cover similar technologies.

Under most circumstances, a website will require a users consent in order to use cookies. Consent must be obtained in a clear format (and may not be obtained via this policy document). The standard of consent is defined under the retained EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (UK GDPR). The standard for consent is a high standard, stipulating that it must be given freely. The consent must be unambiguous and involve a clear affirmative action (an opt-in). A website must therefore make use of some form of consent form/checkbox system in order to obtain consent.
Consent is not required for the use of cookies where:

  • the cookies are placed or information within them is accessed for the sole purpose of carrying out an electronic communication via an electronic network; or
  • where the storage or access to the cookies is necessary for the provision of an information society service requested by the user (for example, the provision of a checkout service where the user wishes to purchase goods from the website).

Where cookies are used to obtain personal information in relation to website users, it is essential that a privacy policy is also held by the website.
Where relevant and appropriate, a website may also need to hold documents setting out its terms and conditions of use, terms and conditions of sale, and its policy regarding acceptable use of the website.