£30m Government investment to provide Changing Places toilets

More than 250,000 disabled people in the country will benefit from greater access to life-enhancing Changing Places toilets, following the Government announcement of a new £30m fund to increase the number of facilities across England.

This move follows changes to statutory guidance that came into effect from January 2021 that made the provision of Changing Places toilets compulsory in certain new buildings. The combination of the updated statutory guidance and this investment for existing buildings means thousands of people with complex needs will have greater access to public places.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard disabled toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy day-to-day activities. There are currently around 1,200 registered Changing Places toilets in England, but provision needs to increase quickly to improve access for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and their carers.

Regional Growth Minister Luke Hall MP said: “For too long, the lack of suitable toilet facilities has meant disabled people have faced major difficulties when they shop, go out, or travel and this should not be the case. That’s why the provision of Changing Places toilets is so important for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This programme is a significant investment from government that will help bring major, life enhancing freedoms to those people who have specific needs.”

You can find your nearest registered Changing Places toilet in the UK by going to the Changing Places website and using the location map.