Written question asked by Anna Gelderd (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 September 2025. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Thursday, 4 September 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Public Lavatories: Stoma Appliances

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take legislative steps to require (a) fold-down shelves and (b) appropriate sanitary disposal bins for stoma bags in all newly (i) installed and (ii) refurbished disabled toilet cubicles.

Answer: All building works need to meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations 2010, including Part M on accessibility. Approved Document M, which provides guidance to support compliance with the requirements of Part M in common building situations, states that consideration should be given to installing a shelf and a sanitary disposal unit in wheelchair accessible toilets. The Building Regulations apply to new building work or where existing buildings are undergoing a material redesign or refurbishment, and they do not apply retrospectively. Additionally, the Building Regulations do not extend to the management of sanitary bins for buildings in use, which is the responsibility of building owners.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 70255
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Disability: Public Buildings
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Public Lavatories: Stoma Appliances
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Disability Public lavatories Stoma appliances
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk