Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Equity Release Help ("we", "us" or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on the website www.equityreleasehelp.org.uk (the "Site"). It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control them.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet or mobile) when you visit websites. They help websites remember things about your visit — such as your language preference, whether you’re logged in, or analytics data that helps us improve the Site.
Why we use cookies
We use cookies for several reasons, including to:
- Ensure the Site functions properly (essential cookies).
- Remember choices you make (preferences), for example language or region.
- Collect performance and analytics data so we can understand how the Site is used and improve it.
- Provide personalised content and, where applicable, advertising through third-party services.
Types of cookies we may use
| Type |
Purpose |
Typical cookie names (examples) |
Expiry |
| Essential / Strictly necessary |
Required for the Site to operate (sessions, login, security). |
session_id, PHPSESSID |
Session or up to 1 year |
| Preferences |
Remember your choices (language, region, font size). |
pref_lang, site_theme |
6 months – 2 years |
| Analytics / Performance |
Count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve site performance. |
_ga, _gid, _gat (Google Analytics) — example only |
Session to 2 years |
| Marketing / Advertising |
Deliver relevant ads and measure campaign performance (third-party cookies). |
IDE, fr, _fbp (examples from ad platforms) |
Varies (months to years) |
Note: The cookie names above are illustrative. The specific cookies used on the Site depend on the features and third-party services you interact with. If you need a detailed list of cookies currently set by this Site, please contact us using the details below and we will provide the exact list.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our pages (for example analytics providers, social media features, or advertising partners). These third parties may collect and process information about your visit. We do not control how these third parties use their cookies — please refer to their privacy and cookie policies for details.
How we obtain consent
Where required by law, we will ask for your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. Essential cookies necessary for the functioning of the Site are placed immediately because they do not require your consent.
How to control or delete cookies
You can manage cookies in several ways:
- Use your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Each browser is different — check the help menu of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) for instructions.
- Use the cookie settings or consent tool on the Site (if presented) to change or withdraw consent for non-essential cookies.
- Opt out of targeted advertising by visiting the industry opt-out pages (for example the Digital Advertising Alliance in the US, or similar services in the UK/EU).
Be aware that blocking or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of the Site and some features may no longer be available.
How long we retain cookie information
Retention periods vary depending on the cookie. Session cookies typically expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies may remain for months or years — examples are shown in the table above. If you would like the exact retention period for a specific cookie set by this Site, contact us and we’ll provide that information.
Children
The Site is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children via cookies. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps.
Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies or applicable law. When we update the policy we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or would like a current, exact list of cookies set by www.equityreleasehelp.org.uk, please contact us:
Useful links
- UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) — guidance on cookies and privacy
- Browser help pages — Chrome / Firefox / Edge / Safari
How We Store Your Information
Your information is securely stored in electronic format using our customer relationship management system, The Key, as well as our secure Content Management System (CMS). We implement appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial measures to secure your information and prevent unauthorised access or disclosure.
We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfil our regulatory and legal responsibilities. This means that we will retain your information for as long as you can legally file a complaint or as long as we have a legal obligation to do so under Anti-Money Laundering legislation. We then dispose of your information by permanently deleting it from our systems.