What cookies are
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. Similar technologies, such as local storage, work in the same way. Some are needed for a site to work; others help measure visits or show ads.
Strictly necessary storage
These items are needed for the site to work, so they don't require consent.
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
fa-theme | Local storage | Remembers whether you chose light or dark mode | Until you clear it |
fa-consent | Local storage | Remembers your cookie choice so we don't ask on every page | Until you clear it |
Analytics cookies
Set by Google Analytics 4 and Microsoft Clarity, both loaded through Google Tag Manager. In the UK and EEA, they only run after you consent.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes visitors so visits can be counted | 2 years | |
_ga_<ID> | Keeps track of the current session | 2 years | |
_clck | Microsoft | Links your visits to one anonymous Clarity ID | 1 year |
_clsk | Microsoft | Connects page views into one recorded session | 1 day |
Microsoft may set other cookies with Clarity. Its own list is in Microsoft's Clarity cookie list.
Advertising cookies
Set by Google AdSense once advertising is enabled. In the UK and EEA, they are only used for personalized ads after you consent.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
__gads, __gpi | Ad delivery, frequency limits and measurement | Up to 13 months | |
__eoi | Security and fraud prevention for ads | Up to 6 months | |
IDE | Google (doubleclick.net) | Personalized advertising across sites | Up to 13 months in the UK and EEA |
Google may change the cookies it uses. Its own list is in Google's cookie policy.
Your choices
When you first visit from the UK or EEA, a consent banner asks whether to allow analytics cookies. We detect this from your device's time zone, not your location. You can change your choice at any time through the "Cookie settings" button in the footer, wherever you are. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings; the site will still work, but you may see the consent banner again.
More information
Our privacy policy explains how data from these cookies is handled and what rights you have. To get back to our independent home-structure guides, use the logo at the top of any page.