Privacy

I have registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) but I am starting to get unwanted calls again. I am told that nothing can be done about this as they are not from the UK.

The Telephone Preference Service holds a central register of clients who do not want to receive unsolicited telephone calls from direct marketing companies. It would then be an offence for such companies to approach registered individuals. Unfortunately the TPS has no power to prevent calls coming from outside the UK.

According to a recent article in The Times, Britain has been hit by an epidemic of calls made by computers. A change to the direct marketing laws in the USA have forced companies to seek new markets abroad.

The TPS suggest that you contact your telephone provider directly if you want to know where these calls are coming from and how to stop them.

Can I stop unwanted letters as well as telephone calls?

Yes, you should register with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) at:-

Freepost 29
LON 20771
London W1E 0ZT

Tel: 020 7291 3310

Can I get access to records held about me?

You should be able to gain access to your records, unless it is considered likely to cause harm to your physical or mental health. You could be charged up to £10 for the supply of records. If however you wish to see a copy of records held manually the charge can go up to £50. You should normally be supplied with the record within 40 days of the request and receipt of the fee.

If you have a complaint to make about what is held about you, you should initially complain to the person who compiled the data (the data controller). If the complaint cannot be resolved in this way, then you should contact the Office of the Information Commissioner and/or the Office of Fair Trading if the complaint is about a credit reference agency.

The address for complaints is:-

Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Tel: 01625 545745

Can I stop my neighbour building an extension that will overlook my windows?

There is no general right to privacy, however it is always possible to object on planning grounds. You may be able to argue loss of amenity. Any arguments about decrease in the value of property will not be considered. You may have acquired the right of 'ancient lights' if your windows are near your neighbour's boundary but this is after 20 years and so not usually a useful tool.

Last updated: February 22, 2007