Better sanitary facilities for disabled people

A change in legislation is proposed to help more people across Scotland with complex care needs take part in everyday activities such as travel, shopping, family days out or sporting events.

Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) offer larger, supported facilities that address the needs of people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate. A network of nearly 200 Changing Places Toilets exists across Scotland but there is no current legislation requiring their provision within buildings.

The government today launched a consultation on proposals to introduce a requirement for Changing Places Toilets through revisions to the building standards system.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart welcomed the new proposals: “These changes to building standards will improve the lives of thousands of families who are severely restricted by a lack of facilities and as a result find themselves excluded from their communities and travel.

“I strongly encourage people to take part in this extremely important consultation.”

Jenny Miller, Chief Executive at Scottish charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) commented: “PAMIS are delighted that the Scottish Government are leading the UK in consulting about a change in Scottish building standards that will ensure more Changing Places Toilets are available in public buildings and spaces.

“This will enable some of the most excluded people within our society to be able to access their communities and take part in activities that most of us take for granted.”

A Changing Places Toilet (CPT) provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two carers.  It offers adequate space for a disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, as well as their wheelchair and one or two carers; and contains equipment to enable safe and easy use of the facilities, including an adult sized, height adjustable changing bench, a ceiling tracking or a mobile hoist and a peninsular (centrally placed) toilet.

The introduction of regulations to require Changing Places Toilets in defined types of larger new building would increase the provision of these facilities nationally in a proportionate manner.

The building standards system in Scotland is intended to ensure that building work on both new and existing buildings results in buildings that meet reasonable standards.

Through consultation, the government is seeking to determine a proportionate and equitable requirement, set through building standards, for the provision of such facilities as part of new development.  Such provision would be over and above the current provision of standard and accessible sanitary facilities in buildings.

Access the consultation here.