Severely disabled people to benefit from new 'Changing Places' toilets
Councils across the South West are set to receive a share of over £7 million government funding in the levelling-up scheme
Severely disabled people across the South West and around the rest of the country is set to benefit from better facilities and greater accessibility as councils across England today (5 Feb) have received their share of over £7m government funding to build Changing Places toilets.
These toilets are designed for those who struggle to use standard accessible toilets - with the state-of-the-art facilities hosting additional equipment such as hoists, adult sized changing benches and space for carers.
They are targeted at areas where they are most needed such as parks, shopping centres and train stations with little to no access facilities.
Today’s announcement brings the amount of funding awarded under the government’s Changing Places scheme to £30.5 million.
The scheme is providing more than 600 new facilities, bringing the total of Changing Places toilets across England to 1,900.
Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “Everyone deserves to have the freedom to enjoy their local communities – without the fear of whether or not they’re going to be able to access the facilities they need.
“Today’s funding will see 120 new Changing Places toilets in places where they are most needed, helping ensure disabled people and their carers can go about their lives with dignity.”
It's also been promised that these facilities will be regularly cleaned to make sure locals across our region - and those coming for a visit - can use these facilities in the knowledge that they're clean, safe, and accessible to use.
Dehenna Davison added: "Part of the process is making sure that these Changing Places toilets are looked after because maintenance is really important.
"So as part of allocating this funding to local authorities, there is an agreement in place that they will undertake ongoing maintenance and cleaning of these facilities as well. We certainly will be making sure that that is done.
"And in terms of the funding, my role as levelling up minister is about changing peoples' perceptions about what 'levelling up' actually means. People tend to think about it in terms of jobs and opportunities, but actually it's about making sure that everyone across the country, no matter where they're from, has access to the same opportunities and of course, of course that includes people who have disabilities as well.
"If today's announcement isn't levelling up in action, I really don't know what is."
South West regions set to get funding
Councils across our region - like elsewhere in the country - is set to see some of the funding which is hoped to make the lives of those with severe disabilities that much easier when going out and about.
The councils which have been allocated funding in this second round include:
- Bath and North East Somerset Council
- Dorset Council (UA)
- Mid Devon District Council
- Plymouth City Council
- Tewkesbury Borough Council
These are in addition to the locations which have already benefited from funding for these toilets, which include new facilities at Slimbridge, Tropicana at Weston Super Mare and at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol.
In the South West and across the country, these 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 malls
- Libraries and public buildings
The reaction
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."
Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) said: "We’re very pleased that the remaining balance from this fund has been allocated. This is a wonderful outcome and will see increased provision of Changing Places toilets in the areas most in need.
“MDUK is extremely proud to be supporting this vital programme, and we look forward to providing our continued specialist support to both the Department and to Local Authorities through to its conclusion; and to the increased inclusion this funding will facilitate across England.”
Shelley Simmonds is a campaigner and advocate for MDUK as her son, Fraser, 9, lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition which causes muscles to weaken over time.
Shelley said: "I am a delighted to hear the announcement today and I know I speak for many families like mine when I say that Changing Places really do change lives. The freedom of being able to visit different places and have days out that we can thoroughly enjoy, without the worry of toilet uncertainty or having to cut our trips shorts, is a wonderful feeling!
“Not being able to access a suitable toilet dictates our everyday life and prevents us from even accessing our most local community. With more Changing Places popping up, families can explore places that were once off limits."
In a study by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers in 2021, Commissioned by Muscular Dystrophy UK and DLUHC, families and carers said the top locations where these facilities should be made available were country parks, open spaces, tourist attractions and transport networks, as the journey to the destination is a key factor in planning a day out. The top venues were beaches and the seaside, motorway services and parks or gardens.