The Isle of Wight council will receive additional funding from the Government to create six new Changing Places toilets.
Changing Places toilets are life-changing for severely disabled people who need specialised facilities when they are out and about.
Larger accessible toilets
There are currently just over 1,300 registered Changing Places toilets in England – these are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.
500 new Changing Places toilets
The news was confirmed in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement yesterday, as he allocated £23.5 million to 191 councils across England to install over 500 life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, dramatically increasing accessibility in areas where users want them most.
Vital amenities for people with severe disabilities
Ministerial Disability Champion, Eddie Hughes MP, said,
“It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities.
“I am delighted that our funding today will help provide over 500 new Changing Places Toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom.”
Specialist expertise to support local councils
Muscular Dystrophy UK co-chairs the Changing Places consortium and has been heavily involved throughout this process. The charity will be providing specialist expertise to support local councils that are awarded funding. This expertise will include:
- Dedicated advice and information and Changing Places officers to support councils
- Changing Places manual and training
- Connecting authorities and facilitating a collaborative network of support
- Signposting to suppliers and installation companies
Burley: Life-changing news
Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said,
“Today’s announcement is life-changing news for the thousands of people and families who rely on Changing Places toilets when they are in public, because being able to use a toilet that is suitable for your needs is a basic human right.
“We’ve provided specialist support to the Levelling Up department throughout this process, and we’re really pleased that local authorities will soon be told the outcome of their application.
“We look forward to supporting councils that have been awarded the funding with their Changing Places toilet installations, because they really do make a world of difference to those who depend on them.”
Image: Marcus Aurelius under CC BY 2.0
