Fact-checking and corrections
How we check what we publish, and what happens when we get something wrong.
What we check
Before a guide is published or updated, we check every statement of law, every time limit, threshold and figure, and every claim about which part of the UK a rule applies to. In practice that means confirming:
- The name and year of each Act or set of regulations, and that the provision we describe is in force.
- Time periods such as the 30-day right to reject, the 14-day cancellation period and Sunday opening windows.
- Thresholds such as the 280 square metre definition of a large shop in Sunday trading law, or the Section 75 credit card range.
- Territorial extent: whether the rule applies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- The current status of anything in flux, such as the private parking code of practice.
What counts as a source
We check facts against legislation, official government guidance, regulators and the official publications of bodies such as independent appeals services. We do not treat other websites, forums or news reports as confirmation on their own. See our sources page.
Figures and prices
We avoid quoting prices we cannot stand behind. Where we give a range, such as typical charging times, we say it is approximate. We do not invent statistics, survey results or quotes.
Reporting an error
If you think something is wrong or out of date, email us via the contact page with the page, the statement and, if possible, the source. We check every report.
How we correct
Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are confirmed, and the page's updated date changes. Where a correction changes the meaning of advice, we add a short note on the page explaining what changed. Spelling and minor wording fixes are made without a note. Our wider approach is described in our editorial policy.