Following the allocation of the first round of funding last year, the remaining funds have now been allocated across 64 Local Authorities in England. This second round of funding has been focused on increasing the availability of Changing Places toilets in areas where there is currently little or no provision.
The two rounds of funding combined see £30.5m allocated to building over 600 new Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, meaning toilet accessibility for disabled people will be vastly improved in these areas.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:
As both a minister and a local MP I have called for more accessible toilets after hearing from parents of disabled children about the difficulties they have faced.
“I’m proud that this government has approved over 500 of these new facilities in shopping centres, supermarkets and sports venues.
“Today we are going further, with over £7 million to target areas that need support to install more accessible toilets. The money will help ensure that every family is able to have a day out with dignity and confidence
As co-chair of the Changing Places consortium, MDUK is providing specialist expertise to support local councils that have been awarded funding. This expertise includes:
- Dedicated advice and information, and Changing Places Officers to support councils
- A Changing Places practical guide
- Training on the design, installation and operation of a Changing Places toilet
- Connecting local authorities and facilitating a collaborative network of support
- Signposting to suppliers and installation companies
Robert Burley, Director of Care, Campaigns, and Support at MDUK said:
"We’re delighted that the remaining balance from this fund has been allocated. This is a wonderful outcome and will see increased provision of Changing Places toilets in the areas most in need of them.
MDUK is extremely proud to be supporting this vital programme, and we look forward to providing our continued specialist support to both the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and to Local Authorities through to its conclusion; and to the increased inclusion this funding will facilitate across England.”
New facilities will now be built in the following venues:
• Public parks and open spaces
• Tourist attractions including historic properties, seaside resorts and zoos
• Cathedrals
• Museums, theatres and galleries
• Shopping centres
- Libraries and public buildings
You can find the full list of successful round 2 Local Authorities here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changing-places-fund-allocation-of-funding-following-round-2-assessment