Digital services should work for everyone.

That’s why we’ve been working to improve accessibility across The Noise App and The Housing App, with both products updated in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

The improvements are designed to make our products easier to navigate, understand and interact with for people with a wide range of access needs, while creating a clearer and more consistent experience for all users.

Why digital accessibility matters

For many people, seemingly small elements of a digital service can create significant barriers.

Insufficient colour contrast, controls that cannot be accessed using a keyboard, unclear focus states or interfaces that do not work effectively with screen readers can make completing even straightforward tasks difficult.

For public sector organisations in particular, ensuring digital services are accessible is an important part of delivering inclusive services.

WCAG provides an internationally recognised framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities and access needs, including those relating to vision, hearing, mobility and cognition.

In the UK public sector, digital accessibility is also particularly relevant to the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, alongside wider responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.

What’s changing in The Noise App and The Housing App?

We’ve reviewed and updated both products against WCAG 2.2 accessibility requirements, with improvements covering areas including:

• Keyboard navigation and accessibility

• Focus management

• Colour contrast

• Semantic structure

• Labels and instructions

• Error identification

• Interactive controls

• Compatibility with assistive technologies, including screen readers

There is no separate accessibility mode for users to switch on.

Instead, accessibility is built into the standard product experience, helping ensure people can use our technology in the way that works best for them.

Making everyday tasks more accessible

These changes are designed to support users throughout the everyday workflows they already complete within our products.

For example, an officer managing noise reports through The Noise App can navigate and interact with the service using accessible controls and assistive technologies.

An officer carrying out an inspection using The Housing App benefits from clearer interfaces and accessible interactions as they move through their work.

And while many accessibility improvements are essential for people with specific access needs, good accessible design often improves the experience for everyone. Clearer interfaces, more predictable interactions and easier-to-understand content make digital services simpler to use more broadly.

Accessibility isn't a one-off project

Meeting accessibility requirements isn't something we see as a box to tick and move on from.

Technology changes. Standards evolve. Our products continue to develop.

Accessibility therefore needs to be considered as part of how digital products are designed, developed and maintained over time.

As The Noise App and The Housing App evolve, new functionality will continue to be assessed against our accessibility requirements so that inclusive design remains part of the way we develop our technology.

What do customers need to do?

Nothing.

The accessibility improvements are being incorporated into The Noise App and The Housing App as standard and will be available to all customers and users.

There is no additional configuration or training required. Where applicable, users should simply ensure they are using a current, supported version of the application.

The latest accessibility improvements are expected to be available by the end of September 2026.

Want to find out more about The Noise App or The Housing App?

Explore how our technology helps Environmental Health and Housing teams manage their work more effectively, or get in touch with our team to learn more.