{"id":56887,"date":"2019-05-13T14:10:25","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T13:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=56887"},"modified":"2019-05-13T14:10:25","modified_gmt":"2019-05-13T13:10:25","slug":"buildings-changing-places-toilets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/planning-construction-news\/buildings-changing-places-toilets\/56887\/","title":{"rendered":"UK public buildings to add Changing Places toilets"},"content":{"rendered":"

New large public buildings in the UK are expected to add Changing Places toilets for severely disabled people, thanks to new government proposals<\/h2>\n

The proposals, currently being consulted on, are expected to add the Changing Places toilets to more than 150 new buildings a year, including shopping centres, supermarkets, cinemas, stadiums and arts venues.<\/p>\n

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets<\/a> for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and enough space for carers.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Local Government Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, said: \u201cEveryone should have the freedom to enjoy days out in dignity and comfort. For severely disabled people, this is made very difficult because there are not enough Changing Places toilets.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve made some progress, but I\u2019m determined to increase the number of these life-enhancing facilities, so people are given the dignity they deserve.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased so many people will be helped by this major change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Catherine Woodhead, chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK<\/a>, which co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium, added: \u201cPeople living with disabilities go to work, visit shops and enjoy days out with friends just like everyone else. But a lack of Changing Places toilets make these seemingly simple tasks a challenge. Too often, we hear stories of people not leaving their homes, having to be changed on dirty toilet floors or even having surgery because there are not enough facilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe government\u2019s consultation on making Changing Places toilets mandatory in new, large public buildings is hugely encouraging. Along with our fantastic campaigners, we have long pushed for changes to legislation, and now we are one step closer to that being reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the absence of Changing Places facilities, disabled people and\/or carers face:<\/h3>\n