What is Accessibility Statement? — UK Software Development Guide

4 min readJune 2025ClickMasters Technical TeamReviewed by James Whitmore, CTO
what is an accessibility statement website

Direct Answer

An accessibility statement is a public declaration on a website or application that describes: the accessibility standard the service aims to meet, which parts do not currently meet the standard, plans to improve accessibility, and how users with accessibility needs can contact the organisation for support. In the UK public sector, accessibility statements are a legal requirement under the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR).

Accessibility-statement in the UK

Accessibility statements are mandatory for UK public sector websites under PSBAR 2018. The Cabinet Office provides a model accessibility statement template. Required content: which WCAG 2.1 AA criteria are not met and why, planned timeline for fixing known issues, contact details for accessibility feedback, enforcement procedure (which public body monitors compliance). Fines for non-compliance are rare but reputational risk is significant — the Cabinet Office publishes lists of non-compliant services. Private sector: accessibility statements are not legally required but are recommended best practice. ClickMasters provides accessibility statements as a standard deliverable for all public sector projects.

Get Expert Advice on Accessibility-statement

Speak with our UK software development experts about Accessibility-statement. Free consultation, transparent pricing, no obligation.