Building Accessible, Modern & Community-Focused Platforms
When it comes to web design for council websites, functionality, accessibility and clarity matter far more than flashy visuals. A council website is not a marketing tool, rather it’s a vital public service platform that must serve residents of all ages, abilities and technical skill levels.
At Zonkey, we specialise in delivering accessible, compliant and user-friendly council websites that meet modern legal standards while helping councils communicate clearly and effectively with their communities.
Learn more about our specialist council website services.
Why Web Design for Council Websites Is Different
Unlike commercial websites, council websites must balance multiple responsibilities:
- Legal accessibility compliance
- Clear information architecture
- Transparency and governance
- Public trust
- Ease of management for council staff
A poorly designed council website can quickly become inaccessible, confusing and non-compliant – increasing complaints and legal risk.
That’s why professional web design for council websites requires specialist expertise, not off-the-shelf templates.
Accessibility: A Legal and Ethical Requirement
All UK public sector websites must meet WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 AA accessibility standards. This ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access public services online.
Well-designed accessible council websites:
- Improve usability for all visitors
- Reduce legal and reputational risk
- Improve SEO and search visibility
- Support inclusivity and transparency
At Zonkey, accessibility is built into our core design framework, not added later as a patch.
Read more about our accessible council websites.
What Makes a Great Council Website?
Effective web design for council websites focuses on clarity, speed, and usability:
Clear Navigation
Residents should instantly find:
- Council meetings & minutes
- Planning applications
- Local services
- Contact details
Mobile-Friendly Design
Over 60% of council website traffic now comes from mobile devices. According to the Better Connected survey of UK council websites, 89% of council websites now have mobile‑optimised versions. That’s a jump from just 57% in 2015 and 80% in 2016.
With mobile traffic dominant for most users today, a responsive design isn’t optional, it’s essential for accessibility and usability.
Secure Hosting
Council websites handle sensitive public data – robust UK hosting and security is essential.
Simple Content Management
Staff need to easily upload agendas, news, and documents without technical training.
Why Choose Zonkey for Council Website Design?
Zonkey has over 15 years’ experience building WordPress websites, with a dedicated platform designed specifically for councils.
Our council website solutions include:
- WCAG 2.1 & 2.2 AA compliant development
- Bespoke council-specific features
- Secure UK-based hosting
- Full content migration
- Ongoing support & maintenance
We’ve worked with town, parish, and district councils across the UK, delivering future-proof websites that evolve alongside accessibility legislation.
Discover our dedicated council platform: www.zonkeycouncilwebsites.co.uk
Future-Proof Your Council Website
With increasing legal scrutiny, accessibility enforcement, and rising resident expectations, councils need websites that are:
- Legally compliant
- Easy to manage
- Designed for real users
- Secure and scalable
If your council website feels outdated, difficult to update, or non-compliant, now is the time to act.
Speak to Our Council Website Experts
If you’re planning a new council website or need advice on accessibility, compliance, or modernisation, our specialist team can help.
Request your free consultation today.