Accessibility Statement

Spelthorne Borough Council is committed to ensuring our website is accessible to everyone. This is in line with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This statement applies to www.spelthorne.gov.uk. It does not cover some subsites, third-party systems, or web tools we use to deliver services and complete user journeys.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our website. We use Recite Me, which provides accessibility tools such as:

• Changing colours, contrast levels, and fonts
• Zooming in up to 300% without losing content or functionality
• Navigating using only a keyboard
• Using speech recognition software to navigate
• Listening to content using screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, etc.)
• Translating content into your preferred language
• Screen masking and ruler tools
• Skipping directly to key sections

We have also simplified our website content to make it clear and easy to understand, reducing unnecessary information so you can find what you need quickly.

For further guidance on adapting your device, visit AbilityNet.

Compliance Status

Our website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard. This means some parts of our website do not fully meet accessibility requirements. These areas are outlined below.

Non-Accessible Content

A) Non-compliance with Regulations

PDFs, leaflets, and documents

Many of our older PDFs and Word documents are not accessible to screen readers or assistive technologies.
This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).

Some documents are essential for delivering services (e.g., service guides or forms).
Documents published before 23 September 2018 that are not essential are exempt from these requirements.

If you need any document in an alternative format, please email communications.marketing@spelthorne.gov.uk.

Subsites and Third-Party Systems

We require all commissioned third-party services to meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
However, some tools are outside our direct control and may not fully comply.
We actively monitor these services and work with suppliers to improve accessibility.

B) Disproportionate Burden

We have not claimed any disproportionate burden exemptions at this time.

C) Content Outside the Scope of Regulations

Certain content is exempt under the accessibility regulations, including:

• Older PDFs published before 23 September 2018 that are not essential to our services
• Live video streams (captions are not required)
• Third-party maps (outside our control)

We are actively reviewing older PDFs.
Any new PDFs or Word documents will meet accessibility standards.

What We Are Doing to Improve

We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly take steps to make our website more accessible:

• Replacing older PDFs and Word documents with accessible web pages or online forms
• Ongoing monitoring and testing of accessibility
• Periodic content reviews to ensure information is clear and up to date
• Working closely with suppliers to address third-party accessibility issues

Testing and Monitoring

• Last review date: 22 September 2025
• Last external accessibility test:
  • This website was a relaunch actioned in September 2025 which has not yet been subject to an external review process. The previous website was externally reviewed on 3 June 2024, carried out by the Cabinet Office - Central Digital and Data Office

We also test our site internally using the Silktide automated tool as well as manual testing and review of results.

We use Silktide's accessibility testing to automatically test our site every five days (2000 page random sample) and we can perform intermittent tests when required. We regularly review the results and manually do our own checks internally to address accessibility improvements required.

Feedback and Contact

If you need information in an alternative format, such as:

• Accessible PDF
• Large print
• Easy read
• Audio recording
• Braille

Please contact us:

• Email:  customer.services@spelthorne.gov.uk
• Phone: 01784 451499

We will respond within 10 working days.

If required, please call or email us for directions.

Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person

We provide a text relay service for people who are D/deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impediment.

Our two main office meeting rooms have audio induction loops, and we also have a portable induction loop system if required.

Find out how to contact us at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/contact

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations')

If you're unhappy with our response to an accessibility issue:

• First, contact us directly.
• If you are still not satisfied, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).