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In a step towards making things both accessible, compliant and secure online, parish and town councils are going to need to get ready to make their websites more accessible to meet the further change in compliance and improve inclusivity.

The new requirement, which changes in October 2024 from WCAG2.1AA to WCAG2.2AA, is being made to ensure that online content published by councils is accessible for everyone.

At the same time, it’s also suggested that parish and town councils use .gov.uk website and email addresses to make sure their messages and web content are seen as safe and trusted. It’s all about making the internet a better and safer place for everyone and to improve the authenticity of message from public bodies.

Facilitating the Transition to the Aubergine website platform:

Aubergine, recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts in website compliance for parish and town councils, is at the forefront of providing fully compliant websites adhering to the current and upcoming standards.

Authorised by the Cabinet Digital Data Office (CDDO) to manage .gov.uk domains, Aubergine is extending its support to parish and town councils and is now offering one of the most affordable and comprehensive packages to assist councils in meeting the new standards.

The website package includes:

1. Fully WCAG 2.2AA & Transparency Code compliant website setup with an easy-to-use admin area.
2. Annual hosting and support.
3. FREE .gov.uk Domain for 2 years.
4. Transfer of one year of content (plus 5 years of finance & AGAR files). Additional content can be transferred upon request.

Priced at £499 + VAT for parish councils with a precept under £100k, and £999 + VAT for larger parish and town councils.

Annual renewal fees for year two: £299 + VAT for smaller parishes, and £399 + VAT for larger parish and town councils.

And with a proven process, the migration from your current website to the new, fully compliant platform with a .gov.uk domain can take as little as two weeks.

The Evolution to WCAG 2.2AA

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been a standard for creating accessible digital content. The move to WCAG 2.2AA underscores the commitment of UK public bodies to evolving user needs, including those with disabilities. This new, higher standard introduces refined success criteria, addressing emerging technologies and user experiences, prioritising cognitive accessibility, mobile device compatibility, and improved navigation.

Embracing .gov.uk for Authenticity and Security

Parish and town councils are encouraged to consider migrating to .gov.uk domains concurrently, a move that enhances the authenticity of messages and bolsters cybersecurity. Reserved exclusively for UK government entities, the .gov.uk domain ensures community trust in the legitimacy of information provided.

1. Authenticity of Message:

Transitioning to a .gov.uk domain reinforces the credibility of councils’ online presence, reducing the risk of misinformation.

2. Cybersecurity Measures:

.gov.uk domains align with a commitment to protecting users’ sensitive information, reducing the likelihood of cyber threats. Aubergine, approved by the CDDO, plays a crucial role in facilitating this transition.

Benefits of accessible content and .gov.uk domains:

1. Inclusivity and Accessibility:

The shift to WCAG 2.2AA ensures that online content is designed with a diverse audience in mind, contributing to an inclusive digital environment.

2. Trust and Credibility:

Adopting the .gov.uk domain enhances the authenticity of the message, fostering trust, which is crucial during emergencies or presenting regulatory or critical information.

3. Enhanced Security:

With the growing concern for cybersecurity, the move to .gov.uk domains adds an extra layer of protection against fraud and unauthorised sources of information.

In Conclusion:

The forthcoming transition to WCAG 2.2AA and the move to .gov.uk domains represent a proactive approach by parish and town councils. By embracing these changes, councils pave the way for a more inclusive, secure and trustworthy digital landscape for all members of the community.

And with packages that include a .gov.uk domain and a fully compliant website from just £499 + VAT it is also affordable to make the switch now.

For more information: visit www.aubergine262.com/wcag or call 01525 373020 and talk to one of our experts.

*Commercial news content is written and provided by the supplier. The publishing of this piece does not imply endorsement or recommendation by SLCC for goods or services*