All Cisterns go

13 March 2008

Local councils are being urged to provide improved public access to better toilets – including Changing Places toilets – across the country.

Strategic guidance recently published by the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Improving Public Access to Better Quality Toilets’, states that having Changing Places toilets in key public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:

"Some people may find the whole idea of a strategic guide on public toilets funny. But let's remember that there are serious issues too, issues that make public access to toilets a matter of vital importance to many people.

"For older people, disabled people, and families with young children poor access to public toilets can make it difficult to leave home, and reduce their freedoms and sense of dignity.

"There are excellent examples out there of innovative councils finding ways to increase access to quality toilets without imposing an additional burden on council tax payers. If others follow their lead and take up this challenge, we would all be better off."

• Download the report 'Improving Public Access to Better Quality Toilets: A Strategic Guide' http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/publicaccesstoilets
• Read the press release from the Department for Communities and Local Government http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/714014
• Find out how Nottingham City Council successfully installed a Changing Places toilet http://www.changing-places.org/features_casestudies_notts.asp