Empty paragraphs used for spacing

Why does it matter?

Pressing Enter several times to make space leaves a run of empty paragraphs. Some screen readers stop on each one and say "blank".

Who it affects: Screen reader users, who rely on real lists and paragraphs to hear how content is grouped and how many items there are.

What does Lumtera flag?

Two or more empty paragraphs in a row. A single one is left alone.

Check ID empty-paragraph-spacing — use it to filter the content report or with wp lumtera issues --rule.

How do I fix it in WordPress?

Delete the empty paragraph blocks. To add space, use a Spacer block, or the block's Dimensions settings (margin and padding) in the sidebar.

In the block editor, this issue has a Fix button: one click repairs the block, and Undo puts it back.

Example

<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>

<div style="height:48px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>

How do I check the fix?

1. Update the post. The issue disappears from the Lumtera Accessibility sidebar on the next check, and from the site report on the next scan.
2. With a screen reader, move to the list. It should announce "list, 3 items" (or similar) before the first item.