UK Accessibility Statement — Template and Requirements 2026
„Do I need an accessibility statement on my UK website?" The answer depends on whether you're in the public or private sector. For public sector bodies, it's mandatory. For private sector, it's best practice.
In this guide, we'll explain what an accessibility statement is, who needs one, and provide a free template you can use for your UK website.
📌 Quick Answer — UK Accessibility Statement
An accessibility statement is a public document on your website that explains how accessible your website is, which parts are not accessible, and how users can report problems. For UK public sector bodies, it is mandatory under PSBAR 2018. For private sector businesses, it is strongly recommended under the Equality Act 2010.
✅ Test your website for accessibility
Use the free UK ADA checker to see what you need to include in your statement.
Free UK Checker →What is an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a public document on your website that explains how accessible your website is to disabled users.
The statement typically includes:
- Accessibility status — how accessible your website is
- Technical standard — WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- Known issues — parts of the website that are not yet accessible
- How to report problems — contact details for accessibility issues
- Alternative formats — how users can get information in accessible formats
- Date of statement — when the statement was last updated
📊 Accessibility Statement — Key Facts
- Mandatory for: UK public sector bodies (PSBAR 2018)
- Recommended for: Private sector businesses (Equality Act 2010)
- Technical standard: WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- Must be updated: At least once a year
- Must be easy to find: Usually linked from footer
Who needs an accessibility statement?
1. Public sector bodies — MANDATORY
Under the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018, all public sector bodies must publish an accessibility statement. This includes:
- Central government departments
- Local councils and authorities
- NHS hospitals, health boards, and CCGs
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Social housing providers
- Police forces and PCCs
- Other public bodies and agencies
2. Private sector — RECOMMENDED
Private sector businesses are not legally required to publish an accessibility statement. However, it is strongly recommended because:
- Evidence of compliance — shows you take accessibility seriously
- User trust — builds trust with disabled users
- Risk reduction — demonstrates you have thought about accessibility
- Legal defence — can help defend against discrimination claims
What must an accessibility statement contain?
For public sector bodies (PSBAR requirements):
1. Statement on the accessibility of the website
Explain how accessible your website is — e.g., „fully compliant" or „partially compliant".
2. A list of non-accessible content
Identify which parts of the website are not accessible and explain why.
3. Statement on compliance with the regulations
State whether your website is compliant with the regulations.
4. Statement on disproportionate burden
If you have claimed a disproportionate burden, explain what you have assessed and why.
5. Statement on enforcement procedure
Explain how users can complain about accessibility issues.
6. Contact information
Provide an accessible way for users to report problems.
7. Date of publication and review
Include when the statement was published and when it will be reviewed.
For private sector businesses (best practice):
- Accessibility status — how accessible your website is
- Technical standard — WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- Known issues — parts of the website that are not yet accessible
- How to report problems — contact details for accessibility issues
- Alternative formats — how users can get information in accessible formats
- Date of statement — when the statement was last updated
Free Template — UK Accessibility Statement
Here is a free template you can use for your UK website:
📋 Template — UK Accessibility Statement
[Name of your organisation] — Accessibility Statement
Date: [Date of publication]
Status: [Fully compliant / Partially compliant]
About this statement
This accessibility statement applies to [website URL]. We are committed to making our website accessible to everyone, including disabled users.
Technical standard
We aim to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards.
Known issues
- [Describe known issues]
- [Describe any exemptions or exceptions]
How to report problems
- Email: [your email address]
- Phone: [your phone number]
- Contact form: [link to your contact form]
Alternative formats
If you need information in an alternative format, please contact us using the details above.
Enforcement procedure
If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Last updated: [Date]
Next review: [Date — at least one year after last update]
How to write your accessibility statement
Step 1: Scan your website
Use the free UK ADA checker to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA. The report will show you all violations and warnings.
Step 2: Identify known issues
Based on the scan report, identify which parts of your website are not yet accessible. List these in your statement.
Step 3: Fill in the template
Fill in the free template above with your specific information.
Step 4: Publish your statement
Publish your accessibility statement on a visible location on your website, such as:
- Footer — link to the statement from every page
- Dedicated page — create a separate page for the statement
- Accessibility page — include it as part of your accessibility information
Step 5: Review and update
Review your statement at least once a year and update it when you make changes to your website.
What is the legal basis for accessibility statements in the UK?
Public sector — PSBAR 2018
Under Regulation 6 of PSBAR 2018, public sector bodies must publish an accessibility statement on their website. The statement must be proportionate and easy to find.
Private sector — Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act does not explicitly require an accessibility statement. However, publishing one is strongly recommended as evidence of compliance with the reasonable adjustments duty.
What are the penalties for not having a statement?
Public sector
- EHRC investigations — the EHRC can investigate and issue a non-discrimination notice
- Public notice — the EHRC can publish a notice of non-compliance
- Legal action — the EHRC can take you to court
Private sector
- Discrimination claims — users can bring a claim against you
- EHRC investigations — the EHRC can investigate your website
- Reputational damage — negative publicity and loss of customers
Frequently Asked Questions — Accessibility Statement
An accessibility statement is a public document on your website that explains how accessible your website is, which parts are not accessible, and how users can report problems.
It is mandatory for public sector bodies under PSBAR 2018. For private sector businesses, it is not legally required but is strongly recommended as best practice.
It should include accessibility status, technical standard (WCAG 2.2 AA), known issues, how to report problems, alternative formats, and date of statement.
Publish it on a visible location on your website, such as the footer of every page, a dedicated page, or your accessibility page.
You should review and update your statement at least once a year, or whenever you make significant changes to your website.
🔍 Test your website for your accessibility statement
Free UK ADA checker — no registration required.
Free UK Checker →
💬 Comments (0)