The law in our country protects your rights and seeks to discourage any discrimination.  You need to know about your rights and the rights of others and seek to uphold those rights.

In the United Kingdom many of your rights are set out as part of the Human Rights Act 1988.  The act is complex and wide reaching and includes rights on many subjects from discrimination to freedom of expression to rights at work to those related to peaceful protest.  The most important action you can take is to be an advocate for your rights and the rights of others. 

If you feel that rights are being infringed then you should speak up to put forward the facts.  Seek support from friends, work colleagues or local groups. 
 

Democratic rights

You have the right to vote in this country when you are 18.  You can actually register to vote if you are 16 years old or over, and a British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen.  Many Government and public bodies seek to involve people in helping them form policy through a process called consultation that you can participate in.

Registering to vote and taking part in local democracy is a vital aspect of being active in the Liverpool community.

The National Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty) defends ‘the whole spirit of British freedom’, to champion the rights of ordinary people and hold the powerful to account.

0203 145 0461  0845 123 2307  www.yourrights.org.uk

Direct Gov gives easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government

Text 83377  www.direct.gov.uk

Purchasing and Buying

Being a consumer and buying is complex and you may need advice before you buy certain goods and services.  As a consumer you have extensive legal rights and if you are unhappy after a purchase there are ways in which you can complain and seek redress.

Consumer Direct - The Office of Fair Trading, can advise and help on all consumer issues and can be contacted on:

National - 08457 224499  www.oft.gov.uk

In LIverpool - 08454 040506f ax 0151 225 6039

E mail consumer.advice@liverpool.gov.uk

Write - City of Liverpool Trading Standards, Public Protection Division, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2DH.
 

Problems with the law

Merseyside Police have set out three pledges towards a total war on crime, total care for victims and total professionalism.  If you become involved in a matter relating to the law then you can seek advice from the Police about your rights. 

The Community Legal Service helps people with civil legal problems such as family breakdown, debt and housing. The Criminal Defence Service helps people who are under police investigation or facing criminal charges. 

Legal Aid is available to certain eligible people to help them fund legal representation.  Be aware of what the Police offer in your local neighbourhood.

To contact Merseyside Police you can call at your local Police Station or

0151 709 6010 for non emergency calls only  www.merseyside.police.uk

Community Legal Advice can provide free, confidential legal advice and advise you if you are eligible for legal aid. 

0845 345 4345  www.legalservices.gov.uk