Committee publication · Special Report · 19 March 2026 · HC 1726
Easy Read – 1st Special Report – Access to the House of Commons and its procedures: House Administration Response
From: Modernisation Committee
Summary
This is the House of Commons Administration's response to a Modernisation Committee report on accessibility for disabled people. It confirms acceptance of eight conclusions and fifteen recommendations, detailing what has been done and will be done to improve access to the House, its buildings, and online services. Key commitments include appointing an advisory group, conducting an accessibility audit by March 2026, making information available in multiple formats, and prioritising accessibility during Palace of Westminster renewal.
Key findings
- Accessibility will remain a top priority during Palace of Westminster renewal, with stairs removed and offices/visitor spaces made accessible.
- House of Commons Administration will establish an advisory group by end of 2026 comprising disability experts, and produce quarterly progress reports on accessibility improvements.
- Staff training on disability support has been updated; visitor and security staff already trained on sunflower lanyards and accessible routes.
- Websites and social media will be improved with content in easy read, braille, audio, large print, and British Sign Language formats using clear, simple language.
- Administration will investigate digital deferred divisions, reasonable adjustments for division lobbies, and decision cards for disabled MPs; outcomes to be reported before summer 2026 recess.
Tone
SupportiveTopics
Key actors
House of Commons Administration, House of Commons Modernisation Committee, MPs (Members of Parliament), Palace of Westminster renewal team, Procedure Committee, Visitor and security staff, Advisory group (to be established)
Notable line
“Safety, security and accessibility are priorities for us. We will try to make them all better.”
Key Quotes
“Accessibility needs to stay a top priority when we renew the Palace of Westminster .”
“We will write a plan. It will say our accessibility priorities and when we will do each of them.”
“Safety, security and accessibility are priorities for us. We will try to make them all better.”
“We will set up an advisory group by the end of”
“We will say as quickly as we can when an accessible entrance or exit is broken or cannot be used and say where another one is.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗