“A quarter of a million people require Changing Places toilets so it is important to ensure these essential facilities are accessible to everyone” Caroline Dinenage MP
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the recently launched consultation into Changing Places in public buildings.
Changing Places are specifically designed to accommodate adults whose needs are not met by standard accessible toilets. These facilities are typically larger with adult-length padded changing tables and hoists.
This consultation is seeking views on the Government’s proposal to mandate Changing Places facilities in specific new, large buildings visited by the public, including major refurbishments. Currently, building regulations guidance only goes so far as recommending Changing Places toilets are provided.
It also seeks views on the thresholds at which the facilities will be made mandatory in new or largely refurbished buildings of different types, such as overall floor space, visitor numbers or attendance capacity. It also seeks views on the size of Changing Places toilets as well as the range of equipment that must be included.
In Gosport new Changing Places facilities have been installed in the Discovery Centre with further facilities being planned for Lee on Solent Splash Park, Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport Bus Station Redevelopment and Gosport Leisure Centre.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“It is utterly shocking how few Changing Places toilets there are currently in public spaces across the UK.
A quarter of a million disabled people need Changing Places and this consultation is a step forward to ensuring accessibility for everyone. Whilst this is something most of us take for granted, access to spaces like these make a big difference to the lives of disabled people and their carers.”
Minister for Local Government, Rishi Sunak, said:
“Everyone should have the freedom to enjoy days out in dignity and comfort. For severely disabled people, this is made very difficult because there are not enough Changing Places toilets. We’ve made some progress, but I’m determined to increase the number of these life-enhancing facilities, so people are given the dignity they deserve.”
