Funding for Changing Places Toilets included in 2020 budget

Chancellor Rishi Sunak released his first Budget on 11^th March 2020 with one of the key points being a £30 million boost for Changing Places Toilets. This will mean that the government will match fund the costs of installing a Changing Places toilet in existing buildings.

Naturally, Changing Places have commended this move, in a press release on their website, they said: “We strongly welcome this news and know what a huge impact it will have for every person that depends on these vital toilets to live their lives without worrying when they will be able to access a toilet that meets their needs.”

Representatives from Changing Places along with campaigners met with government officials in 2018 and 2019 to discuss how to improve the provision of Changing Places toilets. It is hoped that the treasury will confirm that Changing Places toilets will also be compulsory in new public  buildings by the end of 2020.

Changing places toilets have more room than standard accessible toilets and have additional facilities including adult sized changing benches and a hoist system. Increasing the provision of these toilets will mean that more disabled people will be able to go out, shop, enjoy concerts and experiences and more without worrying about access to toilets.

The budget has also set aside £5 billion to help support the NHS during the Coronavirus crisis. This includes a £500 hardship fund for local councils to help vulnerable people and statutory sick pay will be paid to all who are advised to self-isolate with payments available from day one. This is in addition to an increase to NHS Funding by £6 billion which is to be used towards building new hospitals and recruiting staff.

Additional funding will also be allocated to the department of transport to enable the resurfacing of roads and the fixing of pot holes. This is as well as a £50 million package to pay for lifts and ramps at railways stations across the country to make them more accessible.

Currently, it is unknown whether the changes will be UK wide or will focus on England.

Speaking about the changes, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Where people shop, go out, or travel should not be determined by their disability. Yet, currently, the lack of the right facilities can prevent some people from enjoying the day to day activities many of us take for granted. I want to change that, which is why my budget is about spreading opportunity, not only across different parts of the country, but also throughout our communities.”