Request Reasonable Adjustments from Manchester Council

Civil Rights and Equity England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Manchester, England residents and service users have the right to request reasonable adjustments from local public services to remove barriers caused by disability or other protected characteristics. This guide explains who to contact at Manchester City Council, what counts as a reasonable adjustment, how to make a request, likely responses and next steps if the council does not act. It covers enforcement routes under the Equality Act 2010, local complaint channels and practical tips for preparing evidence and requests so you can get access to services, buildings and information on equal terms.

What is a reasonable adjustment

Reasonable adjustments are changes or measures that public bodies must consider to avoid disadvantaging a disabled person. Examples include physical changes to premises, alternative formats for information, adjusted appointment arrangements and providing auxiliary aids or support staff. Requests should be clear about the barrier, the adjustment sought and how it will help.

Keep requests factual and focused on the adjustment you need.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of duties to make reasonable adjustments primarily arises from the Equality Act 2010 and civil remedies rather than fixed council fines. Remedies include court or tribunal orders, injunctions and compensation awards; specific fine amounts for council non-compliance are not specified on the cited page. Equality Act 2010[1]

  • Enforcers: the Equality and Human Rights Commission for national enforcement and Manchester City Council's Equality and Rights or customer services teams for local complaints.
  • Inspection and complaints: raise the issue with the council service first, then escalate to the council complaints process and, where applicable, to external bodies or tribunals.
  • Fine amounts and daily penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first attempt internal resolution, then formal complaint, then external remedies; specific escalation fines or tiers are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: injunctions, orders to provide adjustments, court directions and compensation awards.
  • Appeal/review routes: internal council review, ombudsman or tribunal; statutory time limits for bringing claims are not specified on the cited page.
If you face urgent access barriers, document dates and communications immediately.

Applications & Forms

There is no single nationally required form for reasonable adjustment requests; many Manchester City Council services accept requests by phone, email or written note to the relevant service team. If a particular service requires a form, the service page will state this; otherwise contact customer services or the Equality and Rights team to make the request in writing. Fee information for making a request is not specified on the cited page.

Making an effective request

  • Step 1: Describe the barrier and the specific adjustment you need, including dates and locations.
  • Step 2: Provide supporting evidence where available, for example medical letters or an access assessment.
  • Step 3: Send the request to the service contact, copying the council's Equality and Rights or customer services team if needed.
  • Step 4: Ask for a written response with timescales and who will implement the adjustment.
  • Step 5: If you are unhappy with the response, use the council complaints process and consider independent advice or tribunal routes.
Keep a clear paper trail of requests, responses and dates.

Common violations

  • Refusal to provide information in accessible formats (large print, audio, easy read).
  • Failure to allow assistance or support workers into meetings or premises.
  • Physical access barriers not addressed where reasonable adaptations are possible.

FAQ

Who do I contact to ask for a reasonable adjustment?
Contact the relevant Manchester City Council service dealing with the appointment or venue and copy the council Equality and Rights or customer services team.
Do I need to provide medical proof?
Medical proof can help but is not always required; explain how the impairment affects access and what adjustment would help.
What if the council says the adjustment is unreasonable?
If the council refuses, ask for the refusal in writing, use the complaints process and seek external advice or legal routes if needed.

How-To

  1. Identify the barrier and the exact adjustment you need.
  2. Gather any supporting documents or examples of how the barrier affects you.
  3. Contact the service provider and the council Equality and Rights team in writing, stating the adjustment requested and a reasonable deadline.
  4. If unresolved, follow the council complaints process and consider contacting the Equality and Human Rights Commission or seeking legal advice.

Key Takeaways

  • Make requests in writing and keep records of all communications.
  • Start with the relevant council service and escalate to the council complaints team if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Equality Act 2010 - Legislation.gov.uk

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