Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Fourth Report - Accessibility of products and services to disabled people
Women and Equalities Committee
HC 605
Published 19 March 2024
Recommendations
6
Rejected
Regulate essential private sector websites and applications to public sector accessibility standards
Recommendation
Given that disabled people increasingly need access to online services, information, and social networks, it is imperative that the Government acts on what it has described as the “persistently poor accessibility of private sector websites” without further delay. As a …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects immediate legislative action to make private sector websites accessible, stating there is no time left in this Parliament to change the law. It notes that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has established a cross-government group to examine online exclusion and is checking government websites.
Government Equalities Office
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Conclusions (1)
5
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 27
Disabled people should not have to look for alternatives or settle for less when using online shopping and services. Despite the untapped potential of the purple pound, market forces have failed to drive the urgent improvements that are necessary.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of online accessibility but states there is no time left in this Parliament to change the law to mandate accessibility. It notes a cross-government group is examining online exclusion and that government websites are being checked for accessibility.