The verdict in three sentences
An SEO and accessibility audit for a public-sector site costs between 6,000 and 18,000 GBP in 2026, WCAG 2.1 AA compliance included depending on the depth of fixes. The typical timeline is 6 to 10 weeks, from diagnosis to the accessibility statement. The stake is not only regulatory: non-compliance exposes the body to enforcement and de facto exclusion from public procurement.
What an accessibility + SEO audit covers
The audit crosses two requirements: making the site usable by everyone and keeping it performant for search. Here are the line items and 2026 ranges.
| Line item | Detail | Range (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 AA audit | Compliance diagnosis | 2,500 - 6,000 |
| Technical SEO audit | Indexation, structure | 1,200 - 3,600 |
| Accessibility fixes | Contrast, ARIA, keyboard navigation | 3,000 - 9,500 |
| Accessibility statement | Mandatory legal document | 600 - 1,400 |
| Contributor training | Editorial best practices | 700 - 1,800 |
| Validation re-audit | Post-fix verification | 1,000 - 2,400 |
An institutional brochure site stays at the low end; a citizen-services portal with complex forms climbs toward the top.
Cost of compliance vs cost of enforcement
The decision comes from comparing the investment with the financial and reputational risk. Here is a 2026 perspective.
| Scenario | Direct cost | Associated risk |
|---|---|---|
| Full compliance | 6,000 - 18,000 GBP | risk neutralised |
| Non-compliance found | 0 GBP | enforcement action and fines |
| Missing statement | 0 GBP | regulatory penalty |
| Public-tender exclusion | 0 GBP | lost contracts > 120,000 GBP |
| User legal claim | legal fees | damages and reputation |
The math is clear: 14,000 GBP of compliance protects against cumulative risks that easily exceed 120,000 GBP.
Mini case study
Emma, digital lead at a London borough authority, runs a non-compliant citizen-services portal. She commissions an accessibility + SEO audit at 14,000 GBP: a WCAG 2.1 AA diagnosis, contrast and keyboard-navigation fixes, accessible-form rebuilds and an accessibility statement. In 8 weeks the site reaches WCAG 2.1 AA. She secures the authority's eligibility for public funding and avoids enforcement that, in a neighbouring case, had reached 35,000 GBP.
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FAQ
Is accessibility compliance really mandatory?
Yes for public bodies and many private delegated organisations. WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and publishing an accessibility statement are legal obligations.
What is the difference between WCAG and local rules?
National accessibility regulations build on WCAG 2.1 level AA criteria. Meeting the local rules means meeting the international accessibility standard.
How long to become compliant?
Expect 6 to 10 weeks depending on page count and component complexity (forms, maps, PDF documents).
Does the audit also improve SEO?
Yes. Good semantic structure, alt tags and clear navigation directly benefit search. Accessibility and SEO reinforce each other.
Do we need to re-audit every year?
The statement must be updated and the level maintained at every major site change. An annual check is recommended.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your page count, the presence of forms and PDF documents, and your regulatory deadline, and we will price the audit, fixes and accessibility statement. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
