Consumer and legal information reference and research help
Online safety
A collection of helpful links to sources of information on online safety and scam prevention, and to organisations who can provide help and advice to children, parents, and anyone who uses the internet.
Visit our online safety webpage.
Westlaw UK
Available only at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone. Westlaw provides the following legal resources:
- Case law: over 400,000 case reports and transcripts dating back to 1220
- Legislation: UK Acts and Statutory Instruments, consolidated back to 1267, as currently in force and updated daily
- Commentary: analytical commentary from the entire Common Law Library, market-leading books and loose-leaf publications.
Contact Ask-a-Kent Librarian for more information.
Which?
The Consumer Association provides independent and unbiased help to consumers of a range of products and services. Which Online contains product reviews, help with switching energy providers, links to trusted traders, consumer services and expert advice.
Which Magazine is available in print and online at the following libraries only: Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone, Gravesend, Margate, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone.
Contact your local library for more information.
Free websites
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. It provides guidance on your rights covering areas such as benefits, jobs, money matters, relationships, health, housing, and a range of consumer issues.
Visit the Citizens Advice website.
Kent Trading Standards
Trading Standards work with businesses and developing partnerships to create and maintain a safe and fair trading environment where Kent businesses can operate and grow, and Kent consumers can engage in their economic activity with confidence.
Visit our Trading Standards webpage.
Law Society
Search the database of registered solicitors, and find further guidance about paying for legal services, specialist solicitors, lawyers for businesses, complaints, and directories.
Visit the Law Society website.
Legal Aid
Legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal. This site provides information about the service, and helps to check if you are eligible.
Legislaton.gov.uk
The official portal to the full test of all UK legislation. Maintained by the National Archives, this site contains primary legislation from 1247 to the present day, as well as secondary legislation and draft legislation. Full text of all statutes as enacted, with revised versions of many laws also available.
Visit the Legislation.gov.uk website.
Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service is an independent organisation set up by the government. It provides free and impartial advice to help you improve your finances, with direct support available by phone and online. Their website contains tools and calculators to help you keep track of your money and plan ahead.
Visit the Money Advice Service website.
Trading Standards Checked
Trading Standards Checked is Kent County Council's safe traders scheme for businesses in the home improvement sector. Together with Kent Police and our members, we aim to prevent financial abuse, stop doorstep criminals and protect residents, especially the vulnerable, from criminal and rogue traders.
Visit the Trading Standards Checked website.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity helping people when times get tough. They can provide financial support to help people get back on track.