NEW BIDS INVITED FOR LIFE ENHANCING CHANGING PLACES TOILETS

 

·      Eligible councils can now apply for share of up to £6.5 million to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in their communities 

·      Accessible toilets mean people will be able to take part in recreational activities with greater freedom, dignity and confidence

·      Today?s package builds on the £23.5m already pledged to introduce new facilities across every area of England

 

A new round of funding for life-changing Changing Places toilets will help ensure over 250,000 severely disabled people have better access to accessible facilities.

 

More than 160 eligible councils across England are being urged to apply for a share of up to £6.5 million in the second round of funding announced today.

 

Changing Places toilets 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.

 

The facilities help people lead more independent lives and there are currently around 1,300 registered in England serving public places including hospitals, council buildings and shopping centres. 

 

This latest package will seek to complete the allocation of up to £30m announced at the Budget 2020, which will support the installation of over 500 Changing Places toilet facilities over 2022-2024. The first round, launched in August 2021, has already allocated £23.5m to 190 councils across England.

 

Central government, councils and charities will continue to work together to put the right facilities in the right places to extend accessibility and freedom to all. 

 

Rough Sleeping and Housing Minister Eddie Hughes said: 

 

?Everyone deserves to live with independence, dignity and respect, and disabilities should not determine where people are able to shop, travel or socialise.

 

?I am very pleased to open the next round of the Changing Places fund today. Changing Places toilets can make a huge difference to people who are unable to use standard accessible toilets, helping them to live more independent lives.

 

?Thank you to Muscular Dystrophy UK for their vital work campaigning for Changing Places toilets and bringing this important issue the visibility it deserves.?

 

 

Director of MDUK Rob Burley said:

 

?We?re really pleased that councils now have the opportunity to apply for a share of the remaining funding from DLUHC.

 

?We look forward to continuing our work on the programme, supporting DLUHC and all councils that receive funding, because Changing Places toilets make a real difference, opening up the world to those who depend on them.?

DE Team Comments

Well done