When I try to send an email to a web page (e.g local council) I get this message: Could not perform this operation because the default client is not properly installed. I used to be able to just click on the email link so why can't I do it now? Please keep the answer simple as I'm not very IT savvy!
When you click on a link like that, it just instructs your computer to open the default e-mail client. If, for some reason, the computer doesn't know which e-mail client is the default, it can't open it!
You have neglected to tell which operating system you use, and which e-mail client.
Assuming Windows XP and Outlook Express:
Run Outlook Express
Click Tools/Options
On the General tab at the bottom, click the button "Make Default"
Click OK