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Changing Places Toilets: Capital Funding — [Sir Alec Shelbrooke in the Chair]
16 July 2026
Lead MP
Daniel Francis
Responding Minister
Nesil Caliskan
Tags
NHSLocal Government
Word Count: 10557
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Daniel Francis raised concerns about changing places toilets: capital funding — [sir alec shelbrooke in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Francis calls on the government to introduce a new capital fund for older and smaller venues that do not meet current regulations for installation, as well as to work with the Changing Places consortium to upgrade older standard facilities. He also requests support in bringing forward modern software to improve accessibility planning tools.
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
Mr. Francis is concerned about the slow growth of Changing Places toilets and the end of the previous funding scheme in March 2025. He highlights that while there are now 2,665 active and registered Changing Places toilets across the UK, this number has slowed due to a lack of capital funding. Mr. Francis also raises issues with vandalism at existing facilities and the need for better maintenance.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Elmet and Rothwell
The Chair informed colleagues that the next speaker is recovering from an operation and indicated willingness to allow them to deliver their speech while sedentary.
Aphra Brandreth
Con
Chester South and Eddisbury
She thanked the hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford for securing the debate, highlighted the importance of Changing Places toilets for disabled individuals, and shared a story from her constituency about how such facilities have positively impacted a family named Radhika and Shyam. She noted that Chester Zoo's initiative to increase Changing Places toilets demonstrates forward-thinking approach in ensuring accessibility and dignity for those with disabilities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed concern about the lack of Changing Places toilets in Northern Ireland, which leaves thousands of people reliant on these facilities unable to leave their homes for long periods without facing degrading situations. He highlighted that four out of five hospitals in Northern Ireland do not have registered Changing Places facilities and urged for dedicated ringfenced resources to expand their network.
Juliet Campbell
Con
Broxtowe
Ms Campbell highlighted the need for Changing Places toilets, noting that only two such facilities exist in her constituency of Broxtowe despite a high demand from disabled people. She emphasised the impact of inaccessible public restrooms on social isolation and mental health among those with severe disabilities.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Congratulated the hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford on securing the debate, highlighted personal encounters with constituents who face difficulties due to a lack of Changing Places facilities, and detailed actions taken by the government including setting up the £30 million Changing Places fund which has led to nearly 500 new facilities across the country. Emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to install more Changing Places facilities as over 249,000 people rely on them. Expressed gratitude to Daniel Francis and thanked the Minister for her considered response. Hoped that she would continue championing this cause in Government.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
There are now 2,665 registered Changing Places toilets across the United Kingdom compared with around 140 in 2007. However, the job is not finished as there are still too many areas without a Changing Places toilet and provision is uneven. The main barrier to installing these facilities is cost, often tens of thousands of pounds per installation. The Minister acknowledged that the Changing Places fund was closed, but asked why this important human dignity facility fund was cut. She also pointed out a dilemma for local authorities who are required to provide essential services such as children's and adult social care, yet public toilets remain optional.
Government Response
Nesil Caliskan
Government Response
Welcomed the debate, recognizing the importance of accessible public toilets and highlighting the £30 million fund for over 400 new disabled toilet facilities in England. Acknowledged calls for a new capital fund pot but emphasized that local authorities are best placed to make decisions on facility provision. Promised to continue discussions with the consortium and other government departments to improve access to Changing Places toilets, including addressing issues in NHS hospitals and transport hubs.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.