Accessibility Statement - Licence, permits enforcement (LPE)
This application is run by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- tab through forms and menus in a logical order
- view content in a meaningful order
- zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen
- clearly understand the content and instructions of the website.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible this website is
We know some parts of this website aren't fully accessible and we are working to improve these aspects.
- Some form fields (on Upload Evidence) do not have an accessible label
- The page titles (browser tab) when purchasing a licence or permit are not as descriptive as they could be which might make it difficult for some users to know where they are in the process
- There is some inconsistency in the positioning of back buttons through the transaction process
- On multiple occasions, the user is having to re-enter personal details (email address, postcodes and addresses) they have previously entered. This is a major concern for many users.
What to do if you can't access parts of this website
If you need further information or assistance in using parts of this website, you can contact a DAERA Direct Regional Office.
- email DAERA Direct Regional Offices
- call 0300 200 7840
A DAERA member of staff will be able to help you with your request.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren't listed on this page or think we're not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact the DAERA customer helpline on 0300 200 7852 or email daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.
If you are unhappy with the quality of service received, in the first instance, you can make a complaint to DAERA.
Enforcement procedure
If you remain dissatisfied with the Department’s final response to your complaint, you can refer your case to the Equalities Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI), which is responsible for enforcing accessibility regulations.
You can contact them.
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Clare House
303 Airport Road West
Belfast BT3 9ED
Call DAERA customer helpline on 0300 200 7852 or email daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.
If you have a hearing difficulty you can contact the Department via Text Relay using the Next Generation Text Service (NGTS).
- Making a call from a textphone dial 18001 + number.
- Making a call from a telephone dial 18002 + number.
There are also various Text to Speech applications available to use.
Technical information about this website's accessibility
DAERA is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Issues with technology
- A few missing or orphaned for labels on the Evidence Upload and Submit Catch Return screens. (1.1.1 Non-text Content, 3.3.2 Labels and Instructions)
- Some pages have back buttons at the top and some, alongside the 'Save and continue' button. GDS generally display a back button at the top of pages in a stepped process. But sticking to one or the other would be a preferable option. (2.4.5 Multiple ways, 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation)
- On multiple occasions, the user is having to re-enter personal details they have previously entered, This is the major issue affecting usabaility and MUST be addressed. (3.3.7 Redundant Entry)
Issues with text
- For the main process, the page title (browser tab) is 'Buy licence and/or permit' - this would benefit from being more granular and in keeping with the H1 header shown on the page. (2.4.2 Page Titled)
Issues with PDFs and other documents
- No known issues
Issues with images, video and audio
- No known issues
Issues with interactive tools and transactions
- No known issues
How we tested this website
This website was last tested on 11/04/2024. The test was carried out by DAERA Digital Services Division.
We chose to test all pages within the application (as it was quiet small and they represented the general functionality and layout of the web application). The pages were tested for code compliance using the Axe and WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) Chrome extensions and NVDA screen reader. The pages also underwent manual testing to ensure they adhered to the four Accessibility principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust).
We tested all pages associated with the application. The accessibility evaluation report (HPRM ref) can be made available on request.
What we're doing to improve accessibility
The Department is actively engaged in improving the accessibility of its applications. As part of our 'Development Checklist', we require developers to design software with accessibility compliance built in. In those circumstances where compliance cannot be met, reasons for this should be documented, along with steps for addressing issues. We also carry out user research to ascertain user requirements and conduct usability workshopping before launching new applications.
This statement was prepared on 26 Sept 2022. It was last updated on 12 April 2024.