Accessibility requirements for public sector bodies

New regulations mean public sector organisations have a legal duty to make sure websites and apps meet accessibility requirements.


Public sector websites published on or after 23 September 2018 should have been compliant by 23 September 2019. Any websites published after this date must be compliant before going live.

Public sector websites published before 23 September 2018 should have been compliant by 23 September 2020.

Apps should have been compliant by 23 June 2021.

What public sector bodies need to do

The accessibility regulations aim to help make sure online public services are accessible to all users, including disabled people.

The Government Digital Service says there are four steps local authorities should take now to make sure their online services are accessible.

  1. Understand how the regulations will impact your organisation
  2. Decide how to check your website or app for accessibility problems
  3. Make a plan to fix any accessibility problems you find
  4. Publish an accessibility statement