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Our use of cookies

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2. Data opt out

Manage and delete cookies

To delete cookies from your computer or mobile device using the browser, see the option, help on your browser for instructions on how to manage and delete cookies. You can choose to disable cookies, or to receive a notice each time a new cookie is sent to your computer or mobile device. Note that you will not be able to use all our website features if you turn off cookies.

More information

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file that is downloaded onto ‘terminal equipment’, for example, a computer or smartphone, when the user (a person interacting with the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council website and or individual web pages) accesses the website. It allows our (Reigate and Banstead Borough Council) website to recognise your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions.

What do we need to do to comply?

The rules on cookies are in Regulation 6 - GOV.UK. We must:

  • tell you about all the cookies that we are using
  • explain what the cookies are doing and why
  • get your consent to store a cookie on your device

As long as we do this the first time you set cookies, we do not have to repeat it every time you visit our website. However, we will obtain your fresh consent if our use of cookies changes over time.

What else is covered, apart from cookies?

Regulation 6 - GOV.UK, applies to anyone who stores information on a user’s device or gains access to information on a user’s device, in either case by any method.

This means the same rules apply to any similar technologies – such as Local Shared Objects (sometimes called Flash cookies) – and can also cover other types of technology, including apps on smartphones, tablets, smart TV's or other devices. These rules also outlaw spyware or any similar covert surveillance software that downloads to a user’s device and tracks their activities without their knowledge.

What information must we give users?

The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR) - GOV.UK state that the only requirement is that it must be “clear and comprehensive” information about our purposes. Also please refer to our:

Further information is available from the Information Commissioner's Office - transparency requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR - UK) (privacy notices).

What counts as consent?

To be valid, your consent must be freely given as an unambiguous positive action – for example, ticking a box or clicking a link and or selecting a toggle option. We cannot force consent on to you, for example, you consent to this meeting being recorded by your very attendance to the meeting.  NB., for internal and external communications.

Are there any exemptions?

There are two exemptions which apply where:

  • the cookie is for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network
  • the cookie is strictly necessary to provide an ‘information society service’, for example, a service over the internet, requested by a subscriber or user - essentially fulfilling their request

Do the rules still apply if the data is anonymous?

Yes. If, the information stored is anonymous and doesn’t identify a user, it will still require a consent banner as it’ll be working within the realms of the PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations), rather than the GDPR - UK.

Furthermore information

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