Changing Places toilets funding announced in the budget

In the government’s budget of 3 March 2021 the chancellor announced “ The government is determined to see greater provision of Changing Places toilet facilities in new and existing buildings.

These facilities are designed to provide sufficient space and equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently.

Following on from a consultation in 2019, the government will change building regulations guidance by the end of this year to mandate the provision of Changing Places toilets in new public buildings. The Budget also confirms that the government will launch a £30 million Changing Places Fund, working with the Changing Places Consortium and others to identify those sectors where we most need to accelerate the provision of such facilities in existing buildings.”

The Changing Places Consortium is a group of organisations working to support the rights of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and/or other physical disabilities. Established in 2005, the Consortium campaigns for Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces so people can access their community.

The Changing Places consortium’s news article on this announcement can be found here.

Their website includes details on how to install a toilet from the design to the type of equipment available. The details can be accessed here.

Details on how to access the funding will be launched in the near future.

We recommend that local VCSE organisations that own property used by the general public keep abreast of these legislative changes and funding to accompany it.