gov.uk, information, benefits

The best place for government’s information online

In another article this month we have looked at the information which is now available free of charge from Companies House. However, there is much more information available on the internet.

One major source is the government’s own website which is accessible by going to https://www.gov.uk/. This link will take you to the front page of the government’s information website. This has links to many sources of information. Amongst them are links to:

  • Benefits – including details of benefits available and eligibility criteria
  • Births, deaths, marriages and care – including details on how to register a Lasting Power of Attorney
  • Business and self-employed – including how to register for self-assessment, running a limited company, and business debt & bankruptcy
  • Employing people
  • Working, jobs and pensions
  • Money & tax – including VAT, National Insurance, Income tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax

Other sections cover, childcare, the justice system, education, travel and disability.

As well as information, there are links to on-line facilities such as Renewing your Vehicle Tax, Passport Renewal, and finding a Nursery School place for your child.

A second major source, and one that has been around for many years is the Citizens Advice website which can be accessed by going to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/. There are links to pages dealing with, amongst others:

  • Benefits
  • Debt & Money
  • Consumer
  • Work

Whilst these appear similar areas to the first website these are independent from the government and offer a slightly different perspective. For instance, there is a template letter for raising a grievance at work.

A third source is the Information Commissioners Office, which can be accessed at https://ico.org.uk/. There is advice on areas such as Nuisance Calls, Spam texts, Junk Mail, Identity theft, and many other areas concerning individual privacy.

The above are just three areas on the web where you can access free help and advice. If you know of any other websites that you think may provide information of general interest please let us know and we will do our best spread the information amongst our readers.