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Changing Places Toilets 2025-07-22
22 July 2025
Lead MP
Daniel Francis
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EmploymentTransport
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Daniel Francis raised concerns about changing places toilets 2025-07-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Last Saturday, 19 July was Changing Places Awareness Day. I am grateful to secure this debate on the importance of accessible toilet facilities for individuals with profound disabilities and their carers. The Changing Places campaign has worked relentlessly over two decades to seek provision for approximately a quarter of a million people who lack public access to these essential facilities. These toilets enable anyone, regardless of disability, to go about daily activities such as shopping, attending hospital appointments, socialising, and travelling with dignity and privacy. I have personal experience raising a child with cerebral palsy and understand the critical need for more Changing Places toilets across the country. The campaign has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in central London, but we still fall short of adequate coverage. While there are now 2,609 registered facilities nationwide, many constituencies lack necessary provision, as evidenced by my own constituency and others highlighted by fellow MPs. I call upon the government to provide more funding and enforce policy measures to ensure better accessibility for all.
David Williams
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
I echo my friend Daniel Francis' sentiment, especially in light of local constituents who have shared their struggles without access to these facilities. The campaign's impact is life-changing for families like Denise Deakin's and others who spoke to me over the weekend.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
While Northern Ireland has seen significant improvements, it ranks second lowest in Changing Places toilets per capita. We need more facilities across all nations to support those with disabilities and ensure inclusivity nationwide.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Accessible toilets are critical for retail and tourism growth, but the Conservative council's failure to reopen such facilities in Atherstone town centre highlights short-sightedness. We need more Changing Places toilets across the country.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Training staff on how to direct people to Changing Places facilities is crucial, as highlighted by a recent personal experience at a splash park where staff were unaware of its location despite being present.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
I highlight the current Changing Places toilets in Newcastle-under-Lyme and call for more government support to increase provision further.
Sarah Russell
Lab
Congleton
There are no registered Changing Places toilets in my constituency, which is unacceptable given the population size. We need urgent action from the government to address this disparity.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Does my hon. Friend agree that when you are unable to access adequate facilities, it sends a message of unwelcomeness?
Sarah Smith
Con
Hyndburn
My constituent Zack Kerr has campaigned for additional Changing Places facilities since 2017 and has been instrumental in building new toilets across motorway service stations.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
The Minister is talking about the importance of a single integrated app. Does he agree we need this across the whole of the UK so that all constituents can travel seamlessly?
Sarah Russell
Con
Congleton
Could the Minister consider how to address the issue for predominantly rural communities with smaller towns unlikely to have very large buildings?
Government Response
The Minister of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities acknowledged the importance of accessible toilet facilities for individuals with profound disabilities and their carers. The previous Government's amendments to the Building Regulations in 2010 made it compulsory for some new large buildings to have Changing Places toilets installed. Additionally, a fund of £30.5 million was allocated in 2023 specifically for this purpose. While progress has been made, particularly in London and the home counties, there is still much work to be done across the country. The Department continues to work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that more Changing Places toilets are installed where needed, including providing training and support for staff to properly direct people to these facilities. I am grateful to my hon. Friend Daniel Francis for securing this debate and setting a beautiful tone at the start of his speech. He spoke with enormous power as a parent of a child who requires full-time care and someone with a long record of working with local groups. The lack of appropriate toilet provision can be the deciding factor in whether people leave their homes or visit town centres, making what should be normal activities stressful and exclusionary for many. Changing Places toilets provide equipment, space, and security needed by more than 250,000 people across the UK, with funding supporting the installation of 483 new facilities across 220 local authority areas. The fund has been a jumping-off point for best practice guidance and mandatory technical design training to local authorities. Investment has targeted gaps in provision, particularly in rural towns and coastal communities. The Department for Transport made available more than £2.5 million of funding to install Changing Places toilets at motorway service areas and railway stations across the country. The Government’s inclusive transport strategy aims to improve accessibility and ensure equal access to the transport network for disabled people by 2030. My hon. Friend's suggestion about a single integrated app is important, and I am keen to meet him to discuss this further. The Minister acknowledges the importance of cross-border integration in the UK and will work with devolved Governments on this issue. Since January 2021, new large public buildings must include Changing Places toilets under revised building regulations, which will naturally provide these facilities as developments take place. While there is still more to do, particularly for rural communities, I will reflect on how to address their needs. The Minister recognises the tireless campaigning of individuals, charities such as Muscular Dystrophy UK, and local authorities that have been progressive in this space. He personally thanks Martin Jackaman from Nottingham for his early advocacy on this issue nearly 15 years ago. Raising awareness is crucial so that people do not unwittingly impact those who need accessible spaces. The Minister emphasises the importance of continuing to campaign and fight for improvements, with the Government committed to being a partner in these efforts.
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