Accessibility statement

This accessibility statement applies to the Valuation Tribunal Service Website.

This website is managed by the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS). We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website and have added digital inclusion software, ReachDeck, to the website – making content more accessible for you with reading translation support. The service is free

To try it out click on the ReachDeck icon that appears at the top of your screen on the right-hand side to launch the support toolbar.  Then simply click on any text to hear it read out loud.

How does ReachDeck help?  It offers a host of reading and translation support – helping you to access and understand our website better:

  • text-to-speech: click on or select any text to hear it read aloud
  • translation: written and spoken translations in multiple languages
  • text magnification enlarges text and reads it out loud
  • mp3 generation converts selected text into an MP3 audio file
  • screen mask: blocks distractions on screen with a tinted mask
  • web page simplifier removes clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text
  • settings: customise options to suit your individual needs or preferences

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

  1. How accessible this website is

We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible, further details of which are provided under paragraph 7 (Non-compliance).

Please note: VTS are undertaking a full website refresh to improve the web design and content. This project, due for completion in November 2021, will address all existing accessibility issues and ensure that the website is fully compliant with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard.

  1. Feedback and contact information

If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:

We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 10 working days.

  1. Reporting accessibility problems with this website

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our website and as such we welcome user input. If you find any problems not listed in this statement or identify further accessibility issues, then please email or telephone our Operations team using the contact details provided in paragraph 2.

  1. 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 not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

  1. Technical information about this website’s accessibility

Valuation Tribunal Service is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

  1. Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

  1. Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
  • WCAG 1.1.1 Non-Text Content – Images must have alternate text

Images with guidance documents are images without alternative text.

  • WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)

Colour contrast throughout the website can make it difficult for someone with sight loss to see the content properly.

  • WCAG 1.4.4 Resize Text – At 200% content is cut off or is no longer visible (except PDF).
  • WCAG 1.4.10 Reflow – Pages throughout the website do not reflow correctly (except PDF)
  • WCAG 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide

No current method to allow users to pause, stop, hide or control the frequency for content that automatically begins “auto-updating”.

  • WCAG 2.4.3 Focus Order

Tab focus on the “submit” button is illogical. Users have to tab past it and into the footer before it receives visible focus.

  • WCAG 2.4.7 Focus Visible – No or barely visible focus

Issues have been identified on the “Home Page” and “Contacts Form” which create problems for users identifying the element with keyboard focus and where they are on the page.

  • WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role Value

Labels to reduce confusion and enlarge the clickable area are missing for drop down

  1. Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was initially prepared on 4 December 2019. It was last reviewed on 25 August 2021.

  1. Improving accessibility

This website was tested on 12 February 2021 as part of a Cabinet Office (GDS) review. Subsequent review work has been undertaken as part of a full website refresh project. Our aim is to ensure that the website is fully compliant with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard by 30 November 2021.

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