Committee publication · Special Report · 19 March 2026 · HC 1726
Large Print – 1st Special Report – Access to the House of Commons and its procedures: House Administration Response
From: Modernisation Committee
Summary
This House Administration Response to the Modernisation Committee's December 2025 report on parliamentary access and procedures outlines government action on accessibility across physical infrastructure, digital services, and procedural arrangements. The Administration commits to establishing an external accessibility advisory group, implementing quarterly accountability reporting, and embedding accessibility as a strategic priority alongside security and safety, with specific timelines for delivery by end-2026.
Key findings
- House Administration will establish an External Accessibility Advisory Group by end-2026, drawing on experience from other parliaments and TfL's independent disability advisory model, with annual reporting to the Commons Commission.
- 330 short-term accessibility audit actions identified, of which 126 are closed; 662 medium-term actions (82 closed); 305 long-term actions (13 closed). Progress to be reported quarterly to Commons Executive Board and Members' Accessibility Group.
- Restoration and Renewal programme will increase step-free access from current 12% to at least 60% of Palace floor area (up to 90% in high-use areas), with comprehensive upgrades to Chambers, committee rooms, and visitor facilities.
- Mandatory disability and neurodiversity training for customer-facing staff by summer recess; neurodiversity guidance for managers published during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–20 March 2026).
- Working group to consider in-house production of accessible formats (alternative formats currently outsourced); digital accessibility audit underway; enhanced accessibility features on websites and social media to include ALT text, subtitles, BSL promotion, and plain English.
- Workplace adjustments passport for Members in development; accessible toilet by Chamber completed February 2026; high-visibility markings on Portcullis House steps completed; accessible door handles in Portcullis House bathrooms by end April 2026.
Government position
The House Administration accepts the Committee's recommendations. It commits to treating accessibility as a strategic priority equal to security and safety, establishing new governance structures (External Accessibility Advisory Group, Estates Accessibility Board oversight), implementing quarterly reporting to the Commons Executive Board, and delivering specific short-term improvements (signage for accessible entrance closures, mandatory staff training, visitor support hubs). The Administration acknowledges that extensive upgrades must await the Restoration and Renewal programme but is advancing medium-term priorities through audits, user engagement, and procedural reforms. Timeframes are set: external group by end-2026, working group on in-house formats by summer recess 2026, and comprehensive updates from Clerk and Director General before end-2026.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell (Chair, Modernisation Committee), Marianne Cwynarski (Director General, House Administration), Members' Accessibility Group, Estates Accessibility Board, Commons Executive Board, Parliamentary Security Department, Restoration and Renewal Client Board, Clerk of the House
Notable line
“Accessibility must be woven into the fabric of what we do and be mandatory in the design of new services and spaces.”
Key Quotes
“We have listened with concern to disabled colleagues, peers and staff telling us about the challenges they face daily due to the inaccessibility of the parliamentary estate.”
“Although we are pleased to see some action now being taken on short and medium-term work to make the estate more accessible, it is much overdue.”
“Accessibility is one of the issues the Corporate Officers have to have regard to under the the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act”
“Improved step-free access, with at least 60% of the Palace of Westminster's total floor area set to be step-free—a significant increase from the current 12%—and up to 90% step-free access in areas with high Member and visitor use”
“The focus of the House of Commons Administration must be on the security and the safety of the estate, but this should not be at the expense of accessibility.”
“In 2025, the Commons Executive Board added accessibility to its priority areas, alongside safety and security.”
“It is not acceptable that some MPs, staff and visitors are turned away from engaging with parts of Parliamentary life due to the inaccessible nature of the House of Commons.”
“Our core aim of providing excellent services to Members will only be fulfilled if we improve 30 accessibility for all.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗