Report Website Accessibility Breaches to Manchester Council
In Manchester, England, residents and service users can report website accessibility failures that affect access to council services and information. This guide explains who enforces accessibility obligations, how to make a formal complaint to Manchester City Council, what to expect in investigations, and next steps if local remedies do not resolve the issue. Include the affected URL, screenshots, browser/device details and the accessibility problem when you report so officers can reproduce and prioritise the fix.
Penalties & Enforcement
Responsibility for ensuring the councils own website meets public sector accessibility obligations lies with the councils digital or web services teams and with the broader statutory framework set out at national level. Where an accessibility failure is identified, the councils published accessibility statement and complaints procedure set out reporting and remediation pathways Manchester City Council accessibility statement[1] and the councils formal complaints page explains escalation options for unresolved issues Manchester City Council complaints[2].
- Fines and civil penalties: not specified on the cited page [3].
- Escalation: first reports are typically handled by digital/web teams; persistent or systemic failures may be escalated through the council complaints process and, if unresolved, to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (not specified on the cited Manchester pages).
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to update content, publication of action plans or mandated remediation timelines are typical remedies; specific sanctions are not listed on the cited Manchester pages.
- Enforcer and contact: Manchester City Council digital/web services and complaints team handle reports; use the council complaints link to submit issues Manchester City Council complaints[2].
- Appeals and review: appeal via the councils internal complaints review, then to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman; time limits for escalation are not specified on the cited council page.
Applications & Forms
The council publishes a complaints form and online reporting pathways for website and service problems on its complaints pages; a specific "website accessibility" statutory form or a numeric form reference is not specified on the cited Manchester pages Manchester City Council complaints[2].
How the law applies
Public sector bodies must meet the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations; guidance and the statutory requirements are set out on GOV.UK, including requirements to publish an accessibility statement and handle exemptions Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations guidance[3]. The Equality Act 2010 also provides protection against disability discrimination, which may be relevant where inaccessible digital services exclude disabled people.
- Remediation timelines: the councils accessibility statement may set expected response or remediation periods; specific days or deadlines are not specified on the cited Manchester page [1].
- Fees: no user fees for making a complaint are specified on the cited Manchester pages.
Practical reporting steps
- Identify the problem: record the page URL, device/browser, and precise barrier (e.g., missing alt text, inaccessible form controls).
- Collect evidence: screenshots, screen-reader output, and short video if helpful.
- Report to the council: use the complaints/reporting form and include evidence; see the council complaints page Manchester City Council complaints[2].
- Escalate if needed: request an internal review, then contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if you remain dissatisfied.
Common violations
- Missing or empty alt text for images.
- Forms without accessible labels or keyboard support.
- Documents (PDFs) not tagged or accessible.
FAQ
- How do I report a website accessibility issue to Manchester City Council?
- Use the councils online complaints or website problem reporting page, include the affected URL and evidence, and request remediation; see the council accessibility statement and complaints pages for links and forms.[1][2]
- Will the council be fined for inaccessible content?
- Specific fines or monetary penalties are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement and remedies are covered by national regulations and by council remediation processes.[3]
- How long will it take to get a response?
- Response and remediation times are determined by the councils complaints process and digital team; specific time limits are not specified on the cited Manchester pages.
How-To
- Open the affected page and copy the full URL.
- Take screenshots showing the problem and note your device and browser.
- Go to Manchester City Councils complaints or website reporting page and complete the online form, attaching evidence.[2]
- If the councils initial response is inadequate, request an internal review and then consider the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Key Takeaways
- Report accessibility problems with clear evidence and the exact URL.
- Use the councils complaints process first, then escalate to the ombudsman if unresolved.
- Official regulations require accessibility statements and remediation, but specific fines are not listed on the cited council pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- Manchester City Council contact and enquiries
- Manchester City Council website accessibility statement
- Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman