Request Reasonable Adjustments - Glasgow Law

Civil Rights and Equity Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland residents with disabilities are entitled to reasonable adjustments from public services, businesses and local authorities to remove substantial disadvantage. This guide explains who to contact, what to request, typical timeframes, and the practical steps to secure adjustments under UK equality law and local processes. It focuses on how to engage with Glasgow services, what evidence helps, routes for complaints, and the remedies you can seek.

Overview

Reasonable adjustments can cover physical access, communication formats, appointment arrangements and alterations to standard practices so a disabled person can access goods, services or premises. The legal duty arises from UK equality legislation and applies to service providers, employers and education providers; local bodies such as Glasgow City Council implement internal procedures for requests and complaints.

Act early: request adjustments before the service or event where possible.

How to make a request

Start by making a clear, written request to the service provider or department handling the service you need. Include the adjustment you need, the reason (briefly), and any supporting evidence such as a letter from a health professional. Where available, use the organisation's dedicated reasonable adjustments or equality contact point, or their alternative format request form.

  • Write a clear request stating the adjustment you need and why.
  • Attach supporting evidence where helpful, for example medical letters or occupational therapy reports.
  • Ask for a response deadline and record the date you submitted the request.
  • Follow up by phone or the service’s complaints/equality contact if you do not receive a timely reply.
Keep a dated copy of every communication; it helps if the request becomes a formal complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Equality Act and related enforcement mechanisms provide civil remedies where a duty to make reasonable adjustments is breached. Specific monetary fines for failure to make reasonable adjustments are not set out on the cited official guidance; enforcement typically proceeds via complaint, negotiation, tribunal or court remedies rather than fixed municipal fines.[1]

  • Enforcement bodies: complaints can be pursued with the Equality and Human Rights Commission or through civil courts and tribunals.
  • Municipal enforcement: Glasgow City Council departments handle internal complaints and compliance for council services.
  • Non-monetary orders: remedies often include injunctions, orders to change practices, or specific performance to implement adjustments.
  • Compensation: victims may seek compensation through tribunal or court procedures where discrimination is proven.
  • Appeals and review: court and tribunal appeal routes exist; time limits for bringing claims vary by forum and are not specified on the cited page.
If a service refuses an adjustment, request a written explanation and the internal review procedure promptly.

Applications & Forms

Many organisations accept a written request only; some publish a dedicated reasonable adjustments or equality request form. Glasgow City Council and other public bodies may offer an equality contact or form for alternative format requests, but specific form names, numbers, fees or deadlines are not universally required and may be "not specified on the cited page" for each department.

  • No universal national form is mandatory for reasonable adjustments; use provider-specific forms when available.
  • Request a response deadline in writing; if none is given, follow up within a reasonable timeframe (typically 2-4 weeks).
If no form exists, a plain written request sent to the service address or equality contact is sufficient in most cases.

FAQ

Who do I contact in Glasgow to request a reasonable adjustment?
Contact the service provider first; for council services ask the Glasgow City Council equality or accessibility contact and use their complaints procedure if needed.
How long will a council take to respond to my request?
Response times vary by department and are not uniformly specified; ask for a written timescale when you submit the request and keep records of all communications.
What if my request is refused?
You can ask for a written reason, request an internal review or appeal, and pursue a complaint with national enforcement bodies or tribunals.

How-To

  1. Identify the service provider and their equality or accessibility contact.
  2. Draft a written request describing the adjustment you need and why, and attach evidence if available.
  3. Send the request by email or recorded post and note the date received.
  4. Follow up if you do not receive a timely response; escalate to the provider’s complaints or equality team.
  5. If unresolved, seek external help from the Equality and Human Rights Commission or legal advice and consider tribunal or court action.

Key Takeaways

  • Make requests in writing and keep dated records of all communications.
  • Use the organisation’s equality or accessibility contact and follow its complaints process if necessary.
  • Legal remedies focus on civil orders and compensation; fixed municipal fines for reasonable adjustments are not typically specified.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Equality and Human Rights Commission - Contact

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