The UK has lost almost half its public toilets in the space of a decade and those that remain are often poorly maintained. The CIPHE are concerned about the negative impact this is having on communities and believe more should be done to make adequate provision.
In London and Wales a scheme has been in place which allows local authorities to pay private businesses to open their toilets to the public. So far it has had mixed success with some Welsh authorities who signed up to the scheme not involving any companies or providing any new public toilets.
Age Cymru has reported that public toilets are a lifeline for the elderly and that without them many would feel unable to leave home. For The CIPHE, which was involved in the development of BS 6465-4:2010, the British Standard Code of Practice for public toilets, it’s a real disappointment that they are facing a major decline.
Operations Director Kevin Wellman commented, “We understand that the government and local authorities cannot provide all of the funding necessary to maintain or build new public toilets. What I would like to see is an extension of the Wales and London-based scheme encouraging private companies and organisations to open their facilities to the public. It may even be preferable to levy a small charge on the use of public toilets to raise money for their upkeep and cleaning. This system is already in successful operation in some parts of the UK and abroad.”
Publication of the British Standard for public toilets has addressed many of the diverse issues associated with such facilities. It has provided the UK with a template for determining locations where public toilets are needed; guidance on calculating the numbers required; equality issues; design; access; security and anti-vandalism measures; plumbing; and management.
The CIPHE’s Principal Science Officer, John Griggs, is currently working with the Women’s Design Service to research data on the provision and activity spaces in workplace toilets, with the aim of improving existing facilities, particularly for ladies.
Added Kevin, “With our work and commitment continuing to improve standards in public toilets it would be a shame to see this vital service sink further into decline. I would urge local authorities and people in the industry to consider other funding options that may be available before announcing any new closures.”