Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

This website, whls.info, is run by its independent operators. We provide an independent guide to home energy funding. We are the data controller for personal data we collect. For privacy and general enquiries, email contact@whls.info.

2. What we collect

The newsletter and contact forms do not currently store or send data through this website. The newsletter shows an on-screen confirmation only. The contact form opens a draft in your email app, which you must send yourself. We will only collect form data once these forms are connected. If you email us directly, we receive the details you choose to send.

Once connected, we will collect only the data needed to answer you and provide the newsletter. The list below describes that data, alongside technical data and cookies.

• Newsletter: your email address and, if you choose, your first name.
• Contact form: your name, email address and the message you send.
• Technical data: your IP address, browser type, device type and the pages you visit. We collect this only if analytics are turned on.
• Cookies: small files stored on your device, as explained in the cookies section.

3. Our lawful bases

The law requires a lawful basis for each use of your data. We rely on the following bases.

• Consent: for the newsletter and for non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time.
• Legitimate interests: for replying to your enquiries and keeping the website secure.

4. How we use your data

Once the forms are connected, we will use your data to send your requested newsletter and reply to your messages. We use information sent directly by email to reply to your enquiry. We use technical data to understand which pages help readers and to protect the website from misuse. We do not sell your personal data. We do not use your data for automated decisions that affect you.

5. Who we share data with

We share data only with service providers who process it on our behalf. Each one works under a written contract and may use your data only on our instructions.

• Website hosting providers.
• Email service providers for enquiries, and newsletter delivery once connected.
• Analytics providers, if used.

We will also share data if the law requires it.

6. International transfers

Some providers store data outside the UK. When this happens, we make sure suitable safeguards are in place. These include UK adequacy regulations or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement. You can ask us for details of the safeguards we use.

7. How long we keep data

• Newsletter, once connected: we will keep your details until you unsubscribe. Every newsletter email will have an unsubscribe link.
• Enquiries: we keep messages no longer than 12 months unless we need it longer to resolve your enquiry.
• Technical data: we keep analytics data only for as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy.

8. Your rights

You have rights over your personal data under UK law. To use any of them, email us at contact@whls.info. We will reply within one month.

• Access: ask for a copy of your data.
• Rectification: ask us to correct wrong or incomplete data.
• Erasure: ask us to delete your data.
• Restriction: ask us to limit how we use your data.
• Objection: object to uses based on legitimate interests.
• Portability: ask for your data in a format you can reuse.
• Withdraw consent: stop the newsletter or non-essential cookies at any time.

9. How to complain

Please contact us first so we can try to put things right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK data protection regulator. You can make a complaint on the ICO website.

10. Cookies

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device. We use two types.

• Essential cookies: needed for the website to work and stay secure. These do not need consent.
• Analytics cookies: help us see how readers use the website. We set these only if you give consent.

You can change your choice at any time. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings.

11. Links to other websites

We link to other websites, such as lenders, MCS and GOV.UK. This policy does not cover those websites. Read their own privacy policies before you share data with them.

12. Children

Our website is not aimed at anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

13. Changes to this policy

We will update this policy when our practices or the law change. The date at the top shows the latest version. See also our Terms of Use.