Over 100 new Changing Places toilets will be built across England from the allocation of remaining funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Following the first round of funding allocation last year, the remaining funds have now been allocated across 64 Local Authorities in England. This second round has been focused on increasing the availability of Changing Places toilets in areas where there is currently little or no provision.
The two rounds of funding combined see £30.5m allocated to building over 600 new Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, meaning toilet accessibility for disabled people will be vastly improved in these areas.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:
“As both a minister and a local MP I have called for more accessible toilets after hearing from parents of disabled children about the difficulties they have faced.
“I’m proud that this government has approved over 500 of these new facilities in shopping centres, supermarkets and sports venues.
“Today we are going further, with over £7 million to target areas that need support to install more accessible toilets. The money will help ensure that every family is able to have a day out with dignity and confidence.”
New facilities will now be built in the following venues:
- Public parks and open spaces
- Tourist attractions, including historic properties, seaside resorts and zoos
- Cathedrals
- Museums, theatres and galleries
- Shopping centres
- Libraries and public buildings
Changing Places consortium co-chair, MDUK, is providing specialist expertise to support local councils that have been awarded funding. This expertise includes:
– Dedicated advice and information, and Changing Places Officers to support councils
– A Changing Places practical guide
– Design and installation training before installation, operational training following registration
– Connecting local authorities and facilitating a collaborative network of support
– Signposting to suppliers and installation companies
You can find the complete list of successful round 2 Local Authorities here: