PROPOSED OUTCOME: A repeatable upload, remediate and publish workflow, combined with a prioritised reduction of the historic PDF estate and clear evidence of action.

The regulatory position

St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council is a public-sector body and must manage its website and published documents within the following framework. This is a practical summary rather than legal advice.

RequirementPractical implication for St Stephen in Brannel
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR)Public-sector websites must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust, meet WCAG 2.2 level AA unless a valid exception applies, and publish an accessibility statement that is reviewed regularly.
WCAG 2.2 AAThis is the standard currently used by GDS when monitoring public-sector websites. It covers website content and functionality, including in-scope documents such as PDFs.
Equality Act 2010The council’s digital duties sit alongside its obligation to make reasonable adjustments and provide accessible alternative formats where reasonably required.
AGAR Assertion 10The Practitioners’ Guide makes compliance with website and data-publication requirements visible within annual governance assurance for smaller authorities.