MINEHEAD TOWN COUNCIL

This Cookie Policy explains how Minehead Town Council uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further details about how we process personal data.
This policy was last updated in March 2026.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow a site to recognise your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions.
Cookies can be “first‑party” (set by our website) or “third‑party” (set by external providers such as Google).
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:● Ensure the website functions correctly● Remember your preferences● Understand how visitors use our site● Display embedded services such as Google Maps and Google reCAPTCHA

Non‑essential cookies (including analytics) are only used with your consent. You can change your cookie preferences at any time using the “Cookie settings” link on our website.

Types of Cookies We Use
Our website uses the following cookie categories, as presented in our cookie banner:
1) Necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core features such as page navigation, security functions, and access to areas requiring log‑in. These cookies cannot be turned off through the cookie banner.
Examples include:● Session management (e.g., PHPSESSID)● Cookie consent storageGoogle Maps and reCAPTCHA service cookies required for security and loading the map interface

2) Preferences cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your preferred region or accessibility settings).
3) Statistics cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use Google Analytics for this purpose. These cookies are only set if you consent to them.
4) Marketing cookies
These cookies are used by third‑party providers to track visitors across websites. They may be used to show relevant adverts on other sites or measure the effectiveness of online services. Marketing cookies are only set if you consent.

Third‑Party Cookies
Some third‑party services used on our website may set their own cookies, including:● Google Analytics (statistics)● Google Maps (necessary for map display; may set both functional and security cookies)● Google reCAPTCHA (necessary for security on forms)

These providers may process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, transfers are subject to the UK’s 2025/26 data‑transfer rules, including the DUAA’s updated “data protection test”. 
For a full list of cookies currently in use, including names, providers, purposes, and expiry periods, please refer to the automatically generated cookie declaration linked in our cookie banner. This list updates dynamically.

Managing Your Cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by selecting “Cookie settings” on our website.
You can also block cookies using your browser settings. Please note that blocking necessary cookies may affect the functionality of the site and prevent certain features from working.
Useful links:● Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647● Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences● Safari: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471

Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the law or our website functionality. The latest version is always available on this page.
Last Updated: March 2026