New, or majorly
refurbished, large buildings used by the public must have Changing Places
toilets for severely disabled people, under government proposals announced.
The proposals, being
consulted on, are expected to add the toilets to more than 150 new buildings a
year, including shopping centres, supermarkets, cinemas, stadiums and arts
venues.
Changing Places
toilets are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with
equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and enough
space for carers.
There are over 1,300
Changing Places toilets in the UK, up from just 140 in 2007, but more are
needed to support the more than a quarter of a million people who need them in
the UK.
Without access to
these toilets, it can be challenging for people to enjoy daily activities.
The government has
launched a 10-weekconsultation, which proposes the required size and shape of Changing Places
toilets as well as the range of equipment that must be included.
It also proposes
thresholds at which the facilities will be made mandatory in new or largely
refurbished buildings of different types, such as overall floor space or
attendance capacity.
Last month, the
Department for Transport, in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK),
launched a £2 million fund for Changing Places to be installed in existing
motorway service stations, which is now open for applications.
The Department of
Health and Social Care will also soon launch a £2 million fund for NHS Trusts
to install new Changing Places in over 100 hospitals across England.
