Accessibility statement

Accessibility statement for tmbc.gov.uk

This accessibility statement applies to tmbc.gov.uk.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:

  • zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader

ReciteMe accessibility tools are available across the site to support users with additional accessibility requirements.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

We have also made the website text and navigation as simple and clear as possible.

How accessible this website is

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 AA standard.

We know that some parts of this website are not fully accessible.

Non accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons. 

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Website functionality issues

Some interactive and dynamic elements do not currently meet WCAG 2.2 AA requirements:

  • Webchat tool not fully operable by keyboard
    WCAG 2.1.1 (keyboard)
    The webchat icon and related controls cannot be accessed or operated using keyboard-only navigation.
  • Keyboard focus not always visible after interacting with the cookie consent banner
    WCAG 2.4.7 (focus visible)
    Keyboard focus may be lost or not clearly visible after dismissing the cookie banner.
  • Content does not reflow correctly at high zoom levels (400%)
    WCAG 1.4.10 (reflow)
    Some search and webchat text becomes hidden or obscured at high levels of zoom.
  • Insufficient colour contrast within the webchat tool
    WCAG 1.4.3 (contrast – minimum)
    Some text elements in the webchat interface do not meet minimum contrast requirements.
  • Keyboard focus may be hidden behind other content
    WCAG 2.4.11 (focus not obscured)
    Focus can move behind dropdown or overlay content when navigating at high zoom levels.
  • Target size of some interactive elements is too small
    WCAG 2.5.8 (target size)
    Some buttons, including the “Show” control, do not provide sufficient spacing.

Updates to address these issues are currently in quality assurance testing with our website supplier. These fixes are scheduled to be implemented by the end of February 2026.

PDFs and other documents

Some committee meeting PDF documents on this website are not fully accessible to screen reader software and do not fully meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

This includes committee documents that:

  • are missing correct document structure and heading levels
  • do not have clear or descriptive document titles
  • contain tables or form fields that are not correctly tagged

Relevant WCAG criteria include:

  • WCAG 2.4.2 (Page titled)
  • WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and relationships)

We have an interim workaround in place for committee minutes to ensure users can access the information they need while longer-term improvements are completed. We are also working with our third-party document system supplier to identify a permanent solution.

We are reducing our reliance on PDFs by moving content into accessible HTML webpages where possible. Where PDFs are still required, we are improving document templates and staff guidance so that new documents meet accessibility standards.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

PDFs and other documents published before 23 September 2018 do not need to be made accessible unless users need them to access a service.

You can read more about the accessibility regulations on GOV.UK.

Feedback and contact information

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

If you would like to report an accessibility problem, email corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk.

We will consider your request and respond as soon as possible.

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.

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

Visiting us in person

Our reception areas at Kings Hill and Tonbridge Castle are equipped with audio induction loops.

How we test this website

The accessibility of tmbc.gov.uk was assessed using a combination of:

  • automated testing tools, including the Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
  • manual testing carried out by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council officers
  • external monitoring by the Government Digital Service (GDS) Accessibility Monitoring team

Automated checks are run every five days, alongside regular manual checks of selected pages and documents.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

We are actively working to improve accessibility by:

  • implementing updates to fix accessibility issues relating to the webchat tool
  • resolving keyboard focus, reflow and target size issues at high zoom levels
  • maintaining interim workarounds to ensure committee minutes remain accessible
  • reducing the number of PDFs published on the website
  • improving document templates and staff awareness so new content meets accessibility standards

Preparation of this statement

This statement was prepared on 29 June 2021.
It was last reviewed on 27 January 2026.