§ Guide

Does your website need to be accessible?

Equality Act 2010, Section 29 (provision of services)

When this applies

The Equality Act 2010 likely requires your website to be accessible to disabled users. No specific technical standard is mandated for private businesses, the duty is to make reasonable adjustments, but WCAG 2.2 AA is the benchmark courts and regulators work from in practice and is the standard the public sector must meet. An inaccessible website could constitute discrimination.

The Equality Act applies to service providers generally. B2B websites should also consider accessibility, particularly if your services could be accessed by disabled individuals.

When it does not apply

Web accessibility obligations apply to websites and digital services. Not applicable without a website.

What is at stake

Discrimination claims from disabled users. No specific fine structure, enforced through county court claims. Reputational risk.

What to do

Aim to meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards. Provide alt text for images, ensure keyboard navigation works, use sufficient colour contrast, and avoid content that relies solely on colour.

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Reviewed: 2026-09-12  ·  Source: official guidance