Level Access

Author: Level Access

Multiple laws govern digital accessibility in the United Kingdom (U.K.), including the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. The compliance benchmark for these laws is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA. U.K. businesses may also be subject to the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) if they trade in the European Union (EU). 

For many U.K. organisations, prioritising digital accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a legal requirement.

Both public entities and most private businesses must provide people with disabilities with equal access to goods, services, and information under the Equality Act 2010, a U.K. anti-discrimination law. Additionally, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 set clear expectations for web and mobile accessibility in the public sector. And U.K.-based businesses that serve the EU market, such as retailers, may have obligations under the EAA, which mandates accessibility for many consumer products and services.

Despite these requirements, many digital services—particularly within the public sector—continue to fall short. A study by the Society for Innovation, Technology, and Modernisation found that 40% of local government organisations’ homepages failed basic accessibility tests, indicating widespread compliance gaps.

Unsure whether you’re meeting your obligations? Understanding what requirements apply to your organisation is the best place to start. In this blog, we’ll explore U.K. accessibility requirements and what they mean for both the public and private sectors. We’ll also outline five practical steps that you can take to start creating inclusive, compliant digital experiences.

Key insights

  • The Equality Act 2010 is a U.K. anti-discrimination law that applies to both public entities and private businesses. While it does not expressly mention technical digital accessibility requirements, it mandates that organisations provide people with disabilities with equal access to goods, services, and information.
  • The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Apps) Accessibility Regulations 2018 set specific accessibility requirements for public-sector websites and mobile apps.
  • Conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA is recognised as a best practice for compliance with U.K. accessibility laws. For the public sector, the government mandates compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA.
  • Companies doing business in the EU may have additional obligations under the EAA.
  • Organisations may face financial and reputational risks if they do not meet compliance requirements, including conformance with applicable accessibility standards.

What are the U.K.’s web accessibility laws?

Two primary U.K. regulations establish digital accessibility requirements:

  1. The Equality Act 2010 requires that both public organisations and many private businesses make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access for people with disabilities across their services.
  2. The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 requires WCAG 2.2 AA conformance for the websites and mobile apps of public-sector organisations.

For private businesses that trade in the EU, accessibility obligations extend beyond U.K. national laws. Specifically, companies may need to comply with the EAA, which requires that many common consumer products and services—including e-commerce, banking, and transportation—are accessible to people with disabilities.

We’ll dive deeper into each of these laws in the following sections of this blog.

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is a U.K. law that protects people from discrimination based on characteristics like age, disability, race, gender, and religion. It was created to simplify and strengthen existing anti‑discrimination laws in the U.K. Prior to its introduction, multiple laws addressed different types of discrimination, leading to complexity and inconsistency in the protections offered to U.K. citizens.

To help solve this challenge, the Equality Act merged several key pieces of legislation, including the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, which was the U.K.’s first law aimed at protecting people with disabilities from discrimination.

The Equality Act consolidated these laws into one clear framework, offering stronger protections against discrimination on the basis of nine “protected characteristics,” including disability, race, gender, and age. (Notably, while the Equality Act applies in England, Scotland, and Wales, the DDA is still applicable in Northern Ireland.)

Who does the Equality Act apply to?

The Equality Act applies not only to public-sector organisations but also to almost all organisations and individuals in Great Britain providing services, goods, or facilities. Covered organisations include:

  • Public authorities.
  • Businesses and other employers.
  • Landlords.

What does the Equality Act say about digital accessibility?

While the Equality Act doesn’t explicitly require conformance to specific digital accessibility standards, it mandates that organisations ensure people with disabilities have equal access to their goods, services, and information. This means that inaccessible websites and digital platforms could be considered discriminatory under the law. It also requires that organisations provide accessible work experiences for all their employees.

Both the Equality Act (in England, Scotland, and Wales) and the DDA (in Northern Ireland) require public‑sector bodies to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to services. As a best practice for compliance, organisations should ensure their digital experiences conform to WCAG 2.2. This includes validating that they are accessible to screen reader users and users of other assistive technologies.

Does the Equality Act apply to private-sector organisations?

While private organisations do not have the same Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) as public‑sector organisations, almost all organizations and individuals in Great Britain must observe the Equality Act to some degree.

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 are U.K. legislation aimed at improving digital accessibility in the public sector. These accessibility regulations incorporate the EU Web Accessibility Directive into U.K. law and establish clear requirements for ensuring public-sector websites and mobile applications meet accessibility standards.

What do these regulations require?

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations build on organisations’ existing accessibility obligations under the Equality Act (or the DDA 1995 in Northern Ireland).

To comply with this law, U.K. public-sector organisations must:

  • Bring their websites and mobile apps into conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
  • Make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers and provide equal access for people with disabilities.
  • Publish an accessibility statement (on each applicable site or service) that outlines their compliance status, known accessibility barriers, and plans for improvement.
  • Regularly review and update their accessibility measures to maintain compliance and support accessible content.

The GOV.UK Design System supports teams by providing essential guidance for creating consistent, user-friendly, and accessible public-sector websites and services within the GOV.UK ecosystem.

What are the compliance deadlines for public entities?

The regulations came into effect in 2018, with deadlines phased based on when a website or mobile app was published:

  • New websites (published after 23 September 2018): required to meet standards by 23 September 2019
  • Existing websites: compliance required by 23 September 2020
  • Mobile apps: compliance required by 23 June 2021

These deadlines have now passed, meaning all public‑sector organisations should have already made their websites and mobile applications accessible and published accessibility statements.

Are there any exemptions to the regulations, like disproportionate burden?

Certain types of digital content or organisations may be partially exempt, including:

  • Primary and secondary schools and nurseries (limited exemptions).
  • Archived content not essential for active services.
  • Maps used strictly for navigation.
  • Third‑party content not funded or controlled by the organisation.

In certain cases, organisations may claim a “disproportionate burden” exemption, but this is not a blanket exception. To meet the threshold, organisations must demonstrate:

  • The cost or effort required to comply is unreasonably high relative to available resources.
  • The impact on users has been carefully evaluated.
  • Alternative accessible formats are provided where possible.

The U.K. and the European Accessibility Act

The EAA is EU legislation designed to harmonise accessibility requirements across Member States, such as Spain and Germany. It mandates accessibility for a range of products and services provided to consumers in the EU, including:

  • Self‑service kiosks.
  • Banking services.
  • E‑commerce platforms.
  • E‑readers.

While the U.K. is no longer part of the EU, the Act still applies to U.K. businesses when they offer products or services covered by the EAA in EU markets. Vendors supplying technology that’s used in covered products or services may also need to meet the law’s requirements.

WCAG 2.2: Aligning the U.K. with global digital accessibility standards

WCAG 2.2 is the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the global standard for digital accessibility. Meeting WCAG 2.2 at an AA (intermediate) level is required for compliance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, and a strong benchmark for compliance with the Equality Act.

Conforming to WCAG 2.2 AA is also a best practice for private businesses covered by the EAA. In fact, the presumed standard for EAA compliance, EN 301 549, is currently being updated to incorporate WCAG 2.2.

WCAG 2.2 expands on WCAG 2.1, the previous version of the standard, with new success criteria focused on:

  • Mobile accessibility.
  • Accessibility for users with cognitive disabilities.
  • Accessibility for users with low vision.

Key new criteria include:

  • Focus Not Obscured (2.4.11 / 2.4.12)
  • Dragging Movements (2.5.7)
  • Accessible Authentication (3.3.7 / 3.3.8)

Aligning digital content with WCAG 2.2 AA helps organisations not only meet compliance obligations under U.K. laws, but also ensure experiences are accessible to the broadest possible group of users.

What are the risks of non-compliance with U.K. accessibility laws?

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 are primarily enforced by the U.K.’s Government Digital Service (GDS), which operates under the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO). GDS monitors the accessibility of public‑sector organisations’ websites and mobile apps, as well as the publication and accuracy of accessibility statements.

If an organisation fails to maintain an accurate accessibility statement, the CDDO can publicly name the organisation. Additionally, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) have the authority to impose further enforcement measures, including carrying out investigations, issuing notices of unlawful acts, and initiating legal proceedings.

Beyond regulatory action, non‑compliant organisations face risks including:

  • Public complaints and scrutiny.
  • Impact on funding opportunities.
  • Loss of public trust.
  • Negative media exposure.

GDS also conducts an annual accessibility audit of a sample of websites and apps and may request access to any public‑sector organisation’s digital platforms, including intranets and extranets.

For private businesses covered by the EAA, non-compliance can also have serious consequences. Specific penalties vary by country but may include steep fines and restrictions on a company’s right to do business.

Five steps to achieving compliance with U.K. accessibility laws

Now that you understand the U.K.’s digital accessibility laws, how can you work toward meeting your obligations? The following five-step roadmap will help you start making progress toward compliance.

Step 1: Identify digital assets that need to be accessible

Private- and public‑sector organisations often manage a wide range of digital assets, including websites, mobile apps, online portals, and third‑party platforms. The first step is identifying which assets fall within the scope of the regulations, including:

  • Public‑facing portals.
  • Outsourced or vendor‑managed websites.
  • Documents, videos, and downloadable content.
  • Intranets and extranets.

Step 2: Obtain an accessibility audit

Identify existing accessibility barriers by engaging experts to conduct an accessibility audit. A full audit includes automated scans and manual evaluations, including tests with assistive technologies like screen readers. It provides clarity on accessibility issues across key user journeys—such as applying for benefits or booking appointments—and highlights areas needing accessibility improvements.

Step 3: Prioritise and fix your accessibility barriers

Once you have audit results, begin with:

  • High‑traffic assets.
  • Content tied to essential services.
  • Issues with high user impact (e.g., missing alt text, non‑functional keyboard navigation, inaccessible forms).

Step 4: Publish an accessibility statement

Both public‑sector organisations and private businesses covered by the EAA must publish clear, accurate accessibility statements with information including:

  • Their level of conformance with accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.2 AA).
  • Known issues.
  • Plans for remediation.
  • Contact details for reporting accessibility barriers.

Step 5: Develop a long‑term accessibility plan

Accessibility is an ongoing process. Sustainable compliance involves:

  • Regular accessibility audits.
  • Staff training on digital accessibility standards.
  • Accessible procurement practices.
  • Monitoring digital services for new accessibility barriers.
  • Creating an accessibility-first culture.

These practices help ensure accessibility is embedded into long-term digital strategy.

Confidently achieve compliance with an expert partner

Navigating U.K. digital accessibility laws can be complex. Partnering with an experienced provider like Level Access can streamline the process.

With over 25 years of experience supporting both public and private organisations, Level Access combines technology and human expertise to help teams meet WCAG 2.2 AA and maintain long‑term compliance. Reach out to our team to learn how we can support your accessibility initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is accessibility a legal requirement in the U.K.? 

Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018, public sector websites and apps must be accessible to people with disabilities. Private organisations may also have obligations under the Equality Act (when offering public services) or the EAA (if they provide covered products or services to consumers in the EU). 

Not directly—but the Equality Act 2010 serves a similar purpose to the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It prohibits discrimination and requires “reasonable adjustments” to ensure equal access for people with disabilities, including within digital services. 

To align with UK accessibility requirements, public‑sector organisations must meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards for websites and mobile apps. Private businesses covered by the EAA should conform with EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA and is being updated to incorporate WCAG 2.2 AA. Organisations must also publish accessibility statements documenting conformance with these standards.   

While the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is no longer active in most of the U.K., its principles continue under the Equality Act 2010. In Northern Ireland, however, DDA regulations remain in effect. Whether organisations are covered by the Equality Act (in England, Scotland, and Wales) or the DDA (in Northern Ireland), they mustensure digital content is accessible to achieve compliance. 

Yes. Organisations with inaccessible websites may be regarded as discriminatory under the Equality Act, which could lead to investigations or enforcement actions. Even without litigation, non‑compliance can lead to reputational damage, public scrutiny, and regulatory intervention. 

The EAA is an EU directive that mandates the accessibility of many consumer products and services provided in the EU. In contrast, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are not a law; they are a global standard for creating and evaluating accessible digital content. The presumed standard for EAA compliance, EN 301 549, incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA.

An effective EAA compliance checklist includes auditing products and services for conformance with EN 301 549, remediating any identified issues (including barriers for users of assistive technologies such as screen readers), and publishing an accessibility statement. However, organisations should be mindful that compliance is not a one-time exercise; it requires ongoing governance.

Yes, if a mobile app is used to deliver a product or service covered by the Act. E-commerce and banking apps are examples of mobile device-based services that fall within the scope of the EAA.

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