Updated Guidance on Website Accessibility Compliance

As the deadline for the new website accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2AA) approaches, we’d like to remind all parish councils of the importance of ensuring your website is compliant. This not only improves accessibility for all users but also positions your council as a professional tier of government.

One of the best ways to enhance your council's digital presence is by transitioning to a .gov.uk domain. It strengthens your council’s credibility, security, and aligns with Government guidelines.

Exciting News from the Parish Council Domains Helper Service

The Parish Council Domains Helper Service has just reached a significant milestone! Over 70% of the funding set aside for parish councils moving to a .gov.uk domain in this financial year has now been allocated. This is a fantastic achievement, and we’re proud of the many councils that have made the move.

However, this milestone also serves as a call to action. With projections showing that 100% of the funding will be allocated by mid-February 2024, councils interested in switching to a .gov.uk domain are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing out on this financial support. Recent months have seen a surge in interest, with 106 new .gov.uk applications submitted in September alone, making it the most active month yet.

To help you stay informed, the service will be providing updates at each milestone: 70%, 90%, and 95% allocation. This means the next update will be crucial for councils still considering the switch.

Why Make the Move?

• Security and Credibility: A .gov.uk domain signals your council’s authority and professionalism.
• Funding Available: Government funding is still available to cover the cost, but only for the current financial year. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
• Compliance: A .gov.uk domain is part of making sure your website aligns with evolving Government standards, including accessibility requirements.

Need Help?

To get started, contact to Sandra and Tim at the Parish Council Domains Helper Service at parish-helper@domains.gov.uk. They are also running introductory sessions to help guide councils through the process, which are seeing increasing sign-ups. If you’d like to see how many councils in your region have moved to a .gov.uk domain, you can access this data on the ALC dashboard.

For guidance on domain naming conventions, including specific examples for parish councils, visit the GOV.UK domain name page.

Join Our Christmas Networking Session! We'll be discussing website accessibility standards and have the opportunity to hear from Chris Mewes, Parish Online, who will be answering your questions on WCAG 2.2AA and the .gov.uk domain transition. It’s a perfect opportunity to network with other clerks and prepare for the upcoming changes.

For more details and to register, check our website or contact us directly.

Let’s ensure your council is ready for 2024 with a professional and accessible digital presence!