Request Reasonable Adjustments - Birmingham Council Law

Civil Rights and Equity England 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Birmingham, England residents with disabilities or access needs can ask Birmingham City Council for reasonable adjustments to services, buildings and communications. This guide explains what counts as a reasonable adjustment, who enforces duties, how to make a request, and what to do if the council does not act. Where national law applies, the Equality Act 2010 sets the legal duty; local operational details and complaint routes are handled by council teams and national regulators.[1]

What is a reasonable adjustment?

Reasonable adjustments are changes an organisation must make to remove a substantial disadvantage faced by a disabled person compared with non-disabled people. Adjustments can include changes to physical access, altered communication methods, modified processes, or additional support during appointments. The decision about what is reasonable depends on the costs, available resources, and the practicality of the measure.

Reasonable adjustments cover both service delivery and premises access where a disabled person is substantially disadvantaged.

How to request an adjustment from Birmingham City Council

Make your request clearly and early, ideally in writing or by email, so there is a record. State:

  • Your name, contact details and preferred contact method.
  • A clear description of the disability or access need and the specific adjustment you are requesting.
  • When you need the adjustment and for which service or appointment.
  • Any supporting evidence or professional reports if available (but lack of evidence does not stop you asking).

Send requests to the council service you are using, or to the council's central access or equality team if unsure. If you need help making a request, the council should offer assistance.

Put your reasonable adjustment request in writing and keep a copy.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of duties to make reasonable adjustments is primarily under the Equality Act 2010 at national level, with remedies and sanctions available through tribunals or courts rather than fixed municipal fines. Local enforcement and handling of complaints are undertaken by Birmingham City Council services and by national regulators.

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first and repeat failures are handled through internal complaints, regulatory referral, and legal claims; specific escalation fines or ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary remedies: injunctions, requirements to take action, and compensation awarded by tribunals or courts can apply; exact remedies depend on the forum and case facts.[2]
  • Enforcers and complaints: Birmingham City Council customer services and equality/accessibility teams handle local complaints; national oversight and enforcement advice is available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.[3]
  • Appeals and review: legal routes include employment tribunals (for workplace matters), civil courts or tribunals for service discrimination, and judicial review for public law failures; time limits for bringing claims are set by national law and are not specified on the cited council page.[1]
  • Defences and discretion: the council may rely on proportionality, undue burden or cost as justification for refusing an adjustment; statutory defences and balancing tests are applied case by case.
If the council refuses, ask for the refusal in writing and the reasons given.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national form for requesting reasonable adjustments; most requests are made directly to the service provider. Birmingham City Council publishes local contact and accessibility guidance but does not specify a single universal form on the cited page.[3]

Action steps

  • Write to the service manager with details of the adjustment and a preferred outcome.
  • Keep copies of correspondence and any replies as evidence.
  • Use the council's complaints process if you do not get a satisfactory response.
  • Contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission for advice or referral if local routes fail.
Early, clear communication reduces delay and misunderstanding.

FAQ

Can I ask for an adjustment for a one-off appointment?
Yes. Reasonable adjustments can be requested for single appointments or ongoing services; explain the need and timing when you contact the service.
Who decides if an adjustment is reasonable?
The council service will assess reasonableness based on practicability, cost and risk; national law provides the legal framework.
What if the council refuses my request?
Ask for written reasons, use the council complaints process, and consider advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission or legal routes if necessary.

How-To

  1. Identify the service, date and exact adjustment you need.
  2. Contact the service by email or letter and make the request in writing.
  3. Request confirmation of receipt and ask for a response deadline.
  4. If refused, ask for the refusal in writing and follow the council complaints procedure.
  5. Contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission or seek legal advice for enforcement options.

Key Takeaways

  • Make requests in writing and keep records.
  • Use the council complaints process if informal requests fail.
  • National law (Equality Act 2010) provides remedies; enforcement often involves tribunals or the EHRC.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK - Equality Act 2010 guidance
  2. [2] Equality and Human Rights Commission - Advice and guidance
  3. [3] Birmingham City Council - Disability and access

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