Privacy Policy

The Local Scope — Operated by Crodo Kordian Pach (Sole Trader) — Effective Date: 2026-01-03

1. Who We Are

The Local Scope is a UK-based local news and community magazine operating under Crodo Kordian Pach, sole trader (www.crodo.co.uk).

For the purposes of UK data protection law, Crodo Kordian Pach is the Data Controller.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, you may contact us at: hello@thelocalscope.co.uk

2. Our Commitment to Privacy

We are committed to protecting your personal data, respecting journalistic integrity, and ensuring transparency in how we collect and use information.

We operate in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

• We do not publish names, personal details, or identifying information without explicit consent, unless required by law or justified under journalistic exemption.

• We do not disclose confidential sources.

3. What Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

a) Contact Forms

When you contact us via our website form, we may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Telephone number (if provided)

• Message content

Form submissions are stored securely within our WordPress system using the Advanced CF7 DB plugin.

b) Email Correspondence & Submitted Materials

If you email us (including sending photos, videos or documents), we may temporarily process your name, email address, and any media or attachments provided. Media files and associated personal data are deleted after publication on our website and/or social media platforms, unless ongoing retention is legally required.

c) Newsletter Subscriptions

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in our emails.

d) Website Comments

When users leave comments on our website, we may collect name, email address, IP address, and comment content. This helps prevent spam and maintain community standards.

e) Analytics & Tracking Technologies

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Google Tag Manager, and Meta (Facebook) Pixel. These tools collect anonymised or pseudonymised data such as IP address (shortened/anonymised where applicable), device type, browser information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources. This data helps us understand audience behaviour and improve our content and performance. We do not use analytics data to personally identify individual users.

f) Advertising & Business Partners

We publish advertisements for local organisations and businesses only with their written consent. Advertising agreements are arranged offline (outside the website platform).

g) Supporters & Patrons

If you support us financially via buymeacoffee.com, your data is processed by Buy Me a Coffee in accordance with their own Privacy Policy. We only receive the information necessary to acknowledge support (such as name or message, where provided).

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Consent — newsletter subscriptions, contact forms

• Legitimate interests — website operation, analytics, security, editorial communication

• Legal obligation — where required

• Journalistic purposes — where applicable under UK GDPR exemptions

5. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies for website functionality, analytics, and advertising performance. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

6. Data Storage & Hosting

Our website is built on WordPress and hosted on servers located within the European Union. We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures, including SSL encryption, to protect your data.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Contact enquiries: retained as required for communication purposes.

• Media submissions: deleted after publication.

• Newsletter data: retained until you unsubscribe.

• Analytics data: retained according to Google’s default retention settings.

8. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of your data

• Restrict or object to processing

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) — ico.org.uk

To exercise your rights, please contact: hello@thelocalscope.co.uk

9. Confidential Sources & Editorial Integrity

As a local news publication, we respect confidential sources. We do not disclose the identity of sources without explicit consent unless legally required. We do not publish personal names or identifying details without clear permission from the individual concerned.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical or operational changes. The latest version will always be published on our website.