Consultation: Tier 1 Accessibility Code

Published: 14 May 2026
Consultation closes: 7 August 2026
Status: Open

Ofcom is consulting on a new Code setting out accessibility requirements for the most-used streaming services

The Media Act 2024 introduced new requirements for larger on-demand services (referred to as ‘Tier 1 Services’) to be made accessible to disabled people. These include quotas for features like subtitles, audio description and signing (collectively ‘access services’) and requirements for keeping audiences informed about these features and reporting on their quality and usability.

Ofcom must publish a Code – the ‘Tier 1 Accessibility Code’ – setting out the requirements and giving guidance on these points.  

In this consultation we set out our proposals for the Tier 1 Accessibility Code.

How to respond

Please submit responses to this consultation using the consultation response form no later than 5pm on 7 August 2026.

By email: Tier1accessibility@ofcom.org.uk

We welcome responses in formats other than print, for example an audio recording or a British Sign Language video. To respond in BSL:

  • send us a recording of you signing your response. This should be no longer than 5 minutes. Suitable file formats are DVDs, wmv or QuickTime files; or
  • upload a video of you signing your response directly to YouTube (or another hosting site) and send us the link. 

Summary of Ofcom's draft Tier 1 Accessibility Code



Overview of the code and signing proposals