Website Accessibility Laws in the United Kingdom (U.K.)

For public-sector organizations in the U.K., ensuring compliance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and the Equality Act 2010 should be a top priority. These U.K. digital accessibility laws came into force on September 23, 2018, mandating that all government digital content and services be accessible to people with disabilities.

Despite these laws, many public-sector websites and apps contain barriers. In fact, a study by the Society for Innovation, Technology, and Modernisation found that 40% of local council homepages failed basic accessibility tests—suggesting many organizations still lack clarity on their compliance obligations, and how to meet them effectively.

In this blog, we’ll explore the U.K. accessibility laws impacting the public sector and their requirements. We’ll also outline five practical steps that public-sector organizations can take to create inclusive, compliant digital experiences.

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

Two primary regulations govern public-sector digital accessibility in the U.K.:

1. The Equality Act 2010 requires public and private organizations, as well as individuals, to make reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal access to goods, services, and digital content.
2. The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 establish specific accessibility requirements for public-sector websites and mobile apps.

Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these laws.

Unpacking 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 applies not only to public-sector organizations but also to private businesses and individuals that provide public services, such as healthcare and correctional facilities.

While the Equality Act doesn’t set out specific digital accessibility requirements, it mandates that organizations 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.

As a best practice for compliance, organizations should ensure their digital experiences conform to the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG. 2.2). Created by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG is recognized as the international benchmark for digital accessibility.

For step-by-step guidance on implementing WCAG, download our Must-Have WCAG Checklist.

Unpacking 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 regulations integrate the European Union (EU) Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) into the U.K.’s domestic legal framework, establishing clear requirements for ensuring public-sector websites and mobile applications are accessible to all users.

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

• Bring their websites and mobile applications into conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
• Make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers and provide equal access for users with disabilities.
• Publish an accessibility statement that outlines their compliance status, known accessibility barriers, and plans for improvement.
• Regularly review and update their accessibility measures to maintain compliance and address emerging accessibility challenges.

The risk 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 organizations’ websites and mobile apps, as well as the publication and accuracy of accessibility statements.

If an organization fails to maintain an accurate accessibility statement, the CDDO can publicly name the organization. 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 against non-compliant organizations.

Beyond regulatory action, non-compliant organizations face additional risks including:

1. Public complaints and scrutiny: Users who struggle to access digital services may file complaints, leading to investigations by watchdogs like the EHRC.
2. Impact on funding: Public-sector organizations that fail to meet legal requirements risk losing funding opportunities.
3. Loss of public trust: Accessibility barriers can damage an organization’s reputation for inclusion and social responsibility, leading to reduced public confidence in its services.
4. Negative media exposure: Press coverage surrounding an organization’s non-compliance may tarnish its public image.

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

Now that we’ve outlined the risks of non-compliance, you may be wondering what actions your organization can take to meet the requirements of U.K. accessibility laws. Use the following five steps to kickstart your organization’s digital accessibility journey.

Step 1: Identify digital assets that need to be accessible

Public-sector organizations often manage a wide range of digital assets, including websites, mobile apps, online portals, and third-party platforms. The first step toward compliance is to identify which of your digital experiences fall within the scope of accessibility regulations. Keep in mind that your accessibility obligations go beyond your primary websites and apps. U.K. accessibility laws also cover:

• Public-facing portals (e.g., appointment booking systems, payment platforms, public records)
• Outsourced or third-party-managed websites
• Documents, videos, and other digital content
• Intranets and extranets

Step 2: Obtain an accessibility audit

Identify any existing digital barriers by engaging an expert to audit your digital experiences for WCAG 2.2 AA conformance.

An accessibility audit evaluates how well your websites, mobile apps, and other digital services meet the needs of users with disabilities and comply with laws, such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

A thorough audit should involve both automated testing and manual reviews performed by accessibility professionals. During these manual evaluations, testers will focus on key user journeys: common interactions users have with your services, such as filing taxes, renewing a driver’s license, or applying for benefits.

A comprehensive evaluation will include testing by people who regularly use assistive technologies (AT), which is critical for identifying real-world accessibility barriers.

Step 3: Prioritize and fix your accessibility barriers

The results of your audit will provide clear, specific insight into accessibility issues that may affect your compliance status. But when it comes to fixing these issues, determining where to start can be challenging—especially if you’re dealing with a large volume of digital content.

To maximize impact, focus on high-traffic assets (e.g., your primary website) and those associated with essential public services. Common issues to address include missing alt text, poor keyboard functionality, and incompatibility with screen readers, all of which can prevent users from navigating and interacting with content effectively.

Step 4: Publish an accessibility statement

Public-sector organizations are legally required to publish an accessibility statement on their websites and mobile apps. This statement should clearly communicate a digital experience’s current degree of conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA, highlight any known barriers, and explain plans for improvement. It should also provide a way for users to report accessibility issues they face on your website and apps.

Maintaining an accurate, up-to-date accessibility statement will not only help you achieve compliance but also reinforce your organization’s commitment to inclusion and transparency.

For tips on creating an effective accessibility statement, read our article, How Accessibility Statements Show a Commitment to Inclusion.

Step 5: Develop a long-term accessibility plan

Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. Achieving and maintaining compliance with U.K. accessibility laws requires continuous effort. Public-sector organizations need a proactive and structured approach to identifying and fixing issues, ensuring digital services remain usable for people with disabilities.

To sustain your accessibility efforts, focus on:

• Obtaining regular accessibility audits: Digital content is constantly evolving, so it’s recommended to regularly assess your digital services to identify and address new accessibility barriers.
• Developing staff training and awareness: Equip teams with the knowledge and skills to create and maintain accessible content. Offer targeted training that aligns with specific roles, from web development to content creation.
• Inclusive procurement: Before adopting new third-party tools, request that vendors provide Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) reports demonstrating WCAG 2.2 conformance.
• Collecting user feedback: Proactively seek feedback from people with disabilities about your digital experiences’ usability and draw on this insight to make improvements.
• Building an “accessibility-first” culture: For lasting success, accessibility should be something teams want to do, not something they feel obligated to do. This shift in mindset requires leadership support, clear policies, and ongoing reinforcement.

Streamline compliance with an expert partner

At first, navigating the intricacies of U.K. digital accessibility laws can be complex. To simplify the process, consider partnering with a trusted digital accessibility provider, like Level Access.

With over 25 years of experience, Level Access has supported thousands of organizations—including government bodies and public institutions—in meeting and maintaining compliance with international digital accessibility laws.

Our comprehensive solution combines a unified accessibility platform with expert services, empowering public-sector organizations to create inclusive, legally compliant digital experiences. Contact our team to learn how we can support your accessibility initiatives.