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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 2 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. It was answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour) on Thursday, 8 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Public Lavatories: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of accessibility requirements for Changing Places toilets in private sector developments.

Original answer

Through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent.

Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to building regulations made in January 2021 require Changing Places facilities in new public buildings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

The answer was corrected by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour)

on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Corrected answer

Through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent.

Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to building regulations made in January 2021 require Changing Places facilities in new public buildings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M, Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
102610
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Disability Construction Private sector Public lavatories
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk