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: Pendle Borough Council are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Categories
Advice and Benefits
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Age UK 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.
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.
Helpline and directory which lists local self-help groups, support groups and charities.
Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service was created on 1 April 2011. It brings together Her Majesty's Courts Service and the Tribunals Service into one integrated agency providing support for the administration of justice in courts and tribunals.
A directory of services from across Lancashire, to help you improve your quality of life and help you get through the day-to-day challenges you may face.
Business
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Business link is a business support, advice and information service managed by the DTI, with local presence across England.
Central Government
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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 Cabinet Office sits at the very centre of government, with an overarching purpose of making government work better.
We are helping to create a free, fair and responsible Big Society by putting power in the hands of citizens, neighbourhoods and councils.
The Department For Culture, Media and 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.
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).
Our vision is for a transport system that is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener and safer and improves quality of life in our communities.
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.
Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications
The website that takes you to the heart of government.
The EHRC promote equality and human rights, and to create a fairer Britain.
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 and 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 Revenue and Customs 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.
We secure the UK border and control immigration. We consider applications for permission to enter and stay in the UK, and we issue passports and visas.
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.
This website is managed by The National Archives on behalf of HM Government. Publishing all UK legislation is a core part of the remit of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO), part of The National Archives, and the Office of the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
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 Ministry of Justice is 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 Privy Council is the mechanism through which interdepartmental agreement is reached on those items of Government business which, for historical or other reasons, fall to Ministers as Privy Counsellors rather than as Departmental Ministers.
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.
Information on the administration and regulation of the justice system in England and Wales can be found on this website.
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 Trade and Investment helps UK-based exporters succeed globally and assists overseas companies to bring high quality investment to the UK.
Charity Commission
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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
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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.
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.
The Safer Lancashire Partnership supports and coordinates the work of all Community Safety Partnerships across Lancashire.
This website offers information and resources relating to all aspects of volunteering in the county.
Consumer Advice and Money
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A registered UK debt advice charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
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.
Council and Democracy
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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.
Directory of local councils in the United Kingom, alphabetically and by region.
Confidence in local democracy is a cornerstone of our way of life. It can only be achieved when elected and co-opted members of local authorities are seen to live up to the high standards the public has a right to expect from them.
The Standards Board for England is responsible for promoting high ethical standards and investigating allegations that members' behaviour may have fallen short of the required standards.
Team Lancashire is the space where the 15 principal councils serving Lancashire's 1.5m people come together to address the knotty problems which we need to solve to improve quality of life across the area.
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.
Development and Planning Services
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We are working to ensure that communities are at the heart of the planning system and that buildings are safe, accessible and sustainable for current and future generations.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction. LABC is a publicly accountable, independent building control provider. Our aim is to assist you in producing high quality buildings that meet the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations in a time scale which keeps your costs to a minimum.
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
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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.
The United Kingdom Disabled People's Council is the UK's democratic representative national organisation, which is a member of the worldwide Disabled People's Movement, through its membership of Disabled Peoples' International
East Lancashire Local Authority Websites
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This is the official website for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
This is the official website for Burnley Borough Council.
This is the official website for Hyndburn Borough Council.
This is the official website for Lancashire County Council.
This is the official website for Ribble Valley Borough Council.
This is the official website for Rossendale Borough Council.
Education
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Bullying UK 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 is responsible for education and children’s services. Find out about the academies programme which provides schools with greater freedoms to innovate and raise standards.
Links and information on all aspects of learning for adults.
The Hub connects up websites about learning disability in East Lancashire.
LGfL provides links to all aspects of education in Lancashire.
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) aims to encourage all adults to engage in learning of all kinds.
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.
UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
The YPLA was launched in April 2010 with the mission of championing education and training for young people in England.
Emergencies
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Numbers and organisations in Lancashire and beyond that may be useful in the event of a personal or local emergency.
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.
Environment
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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 site allows you to review and submit environmental issues and have 'Love Clean Streets' deal with it, and then let you know how they got on.
Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. They provide practical and scientific advice on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone.
The leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
Health and Wellbeing
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A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
American website with detailed information and useful links about ADHD
A wealth of information about physical, mental and emotional health issues.
The world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research
Working to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services to those who are affected by it.
High-quality information about mental health problems and issues.
Health Services
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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.
NHS East Lancashire is your local Primary Care Trust (PCT). It serves a population of 414,684 residents from the five boroughs of Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale.
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.
Housing and Homelessness
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The Abbeyfield Society is a UK-wide volunteer-led charity providing housing with care for older people.
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.
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.
Housing Pendle is a not for profit housing association managing 3,326 homes within a 30 year business plan. We work hard to provide affordable housing and associated care and support to customers throughout East Lancashire.
A UK Housing Association & Local Authority Information Directory. Home of the AddressBook, a standalone database of HA & LA contact information for list building.
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
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CharityJOB is the UK's busiest site for charity jobs, fundraising jobs, NGO jobs and not for profit jobs.
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.
If you're aged 13 to 19 you can contact an adviser for information, advice and support on a range of issues affecting young people
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.
Legal Advice
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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.
Leisure, Sport and Culture
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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.
This is a walking site devoted to Yorkshire, including some walks in the Pendle area.
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.
Pendle Leisure Trust manages a host of leisure facilities in the Borough of Pendle. They offer numerous services and activities to people of all ages.
Spot On is about giving people across rural Lancashire the chance to have a great night out on your doorstep. It is a network of volunteer promoters in villages across the county who book and promote great theatre, dance, music and children's shows for their communities.
On this page you will find 100's of links to UK web pages which detail 1000's of on-line walking routes, hiking trails, route directions, route maps etc.
Parenting and Children
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Parents looking for help and advice on any aspect of bringing up their children can use confidential free phone line 24/7 on 0808 800 222 or email parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk . Parentline Plus also offer websites that offer topical, regularly updated information on all parenting issues from new baby to teens plus tips on the recession and swine flu.
Parish and Town Councils
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Information on Barley Parish Council.
The official website for Barrowford Parish Council.
This website contains lots of information about Blacko, including parish council information.
Information on Brierfield Town Council.
Information on Earby Parish Council.
Information about Foulridge Parish Council.
Information on Higham-with-West-Close-Booth Parish Council.
This is the official website for Laneshawbridge Parish Council.
Information on Roughlee Booth Parish Council.
This is the official website for Trawden Forest Parish Council.
Software Tools
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Adobe® Reader® is free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files on a variety of hardware and operating system platforms.
Jadu Content Management (CMS) powers this website and enables the council to publish content to the web.
Open, view, and print Excel workbooks, even if you don't have Excel installed.
PowerPoint Viewer lets you view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions.
The Visio Viewer 2003 allows anyone to view Visio drawings and diagrams (created with Visio 5, 2000 - 2010) inside their Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.0 - 8.0.
View, print and copy Word documents, even if you don't have Word installed.
Support and Social Care
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Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Our aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone, whether that’s in hospital, in care homes, in people’s own homes, or elsewhere.
Family Rights Group (FRG) was established as a registered charity in 1974 to provide advice and support for families whose children are involved with social services. FRG works to improve the services received by these families.
The UK's leading site for disabled and elderly people, carers and healthcare professionals, with information, news, views and products.
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.
Transport and Streets
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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.
MARIO - Maps & Related Information Online - is an interactive map which allows you to go to anywhere in Lancashire and view information held by the Council.
The UK's largest scheduled coach company.
Get train times and buy tickets for any national rail journey
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.
Choose from the interactive map to be taken to the website fo yoru choice. Covers all of the UK's 23 airports.
Utilities
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BT is a UK wide communications solutions provider with a global reach in the business market.
Digital UK is the not-for-profit company leading the UK’s switchover to digital television.
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. They are responsible for the gas and electric transmission systems in the UK and run a 24 hour gas emergency service.
United Utilities is the UK's largest listed water company. and provides most of Pendle's waste and water services.