{"id":5743,"date":"2021-03-11T16:33:40","date_gmt":"2021-03-11T15:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=5743"},"modified":"2021-03-11T16:42:12","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T15:42:12","slug":"30m-investment-to-provide-changing-places-toilets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=5743","title":{"rendered":"30M INVESTMENT TO PROVIDE CHANGING PLACES TOILETS"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 250,000 disabled people in the country will benefit from greater access to life-enhancing Changing Places toilets, as the Government announces a new \u00a330m fund to increase the number of facilities across England.<\/p>\n

Announced today by Regional Growth Minister Luke Hall, the move follows changes to statutory guidance that came into effect from January 2021 that made the provision of Changing Places toilets compulsory in certain new buildings.<\/p>\n

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard disabled toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.<\/p>\n

Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities many of us take for grante\"\"d.<\/p>\n

The combination of the updated statutory guidance and today\u2019s investment for existing buildings means thousands of people with complex needs will have greater access to public places.<\/p>\n

Regional Growth Minister Luke Hall MP said:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span> For too long, the lack of suitable toilet facilities has meant disabled people have faced major difficulties when they shop, go out, or travel and this should not be the case.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why the provision of Changing Places toilets is so important for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis programme is a significant investment from government that will help bring major, life enhancing freedoms to those people who have specific needs. \u201d<\/p>\n

Kerry Thompson, Changing Places campaigner, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest challenge I face when going anywhere outside my home is locating a Changing Places facility. They really do make a world of difference when planning days out so today\u2019s announcement will open up a whole new world for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them. This wouldn\u2019t have been possible without support from Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing I have access to a Changing Places toilet lets me enjoy myself without having to worry about finding an accessible facility that can accommodate my needs. The additional funding from the government to improve facilities in existing buildings across England will give me and my husband the freedom that so many disabled people are desperate for.\u201d<\/p>\n

This programme will be delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, who will provide advice to support councils in their delivery.<\/p>\n

Muscular Dystrophy UK, in partnership with MHCLG and the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, will also be undertaking a call for evidence with\u202fusers in England to\u202fhelp develop an understanding of user needs and priorities.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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