It is the policy of Central Bedfordshire Council to ensure that all web based information and services are widely accessible, regardless of disability, language, level of literacy or technology.

Wherever possible, Central Bedfordshire Council will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that information and services provided by our website can be accessed by, and are equally effective to, all users irrespective of personal circumstance.

We will comply with our general responsibilities under UK law, including the Equality Act 2010 and aspire to conform to level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)W3C Content Accessibility Guidelines. These guidelines set out four over-riding principles:

Principle 1:Perceivable - Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. This means that users must be able to perceive the information being presented (it can't be invisible to all of their senses)

Principle 2: Operable - User interface components and navigation must be operable. This means that users must be able to operate the interface (the interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform)

Principle 3: Understandable - Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable. This means that users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface (the content or operation cannot be beyond their understanding) 

Principle 4: Robust - Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means that users must be able to access the content as technologies advance (as technologies and user agents evolve, the content should remain accessible)

To support this policy, service Web Content Managers are subject to our "Writing for the Web" training which covers accessibility standards and guidelines, with respect to creating pages and publishing content. Each service is individually responsible for ensuring their pages comply with these standards, but are also monitored centrally to ensure consistency.

The Council is committed to ensuring the best possible user experience and values all feedback we receive from visitors to the website; helping us to continually develop and improve upon the information and services we provide. The council will take a pro-active approach to seeking regular feedback from users of our website.

You listen to our website using the free Dixerit Plus service or Browsealoud service. These services are easy to use, free, and help people who find it hard to read, such as those with dyslexia or learning difficulties, those for whom English is not their first language, and those with mild visual impairments. They are not designed to replace screen reader software such as JAWS.

The information on this website is provided in English but can be made available in different languages or formats (such as braille) on request. We can also help you if your first language is not English and you have difficulties communicating with a Council officer. Please tell the Council officer to arrange help through our Language Line Service. Please call 0300 300 8301.

Should you wish to translate any of our web pages, we have provided links to free translation service from the following websites. Please be aware that these websites are operated by independent companies and we have no control over the content of the sites or accuracy of translation:

Inevitably we won’t get everything right, but we are committed to addressing access issues. If you experience any difficulties in accessing our website, or have trouble using any aspect of the site, please contact us by emailing customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

We are monitoring the speed and quality of our response to all communications, and we aim to respond to email enquiries within five working days.