Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd, has welcomed the announcement that Rochdale’s council will receive £199,000 to boost the provision of Changing Places toilets in existing buildings. Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible facilities, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.

Tony said, “This will make a huge difference to people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other disabilities which limits their mobility to use standard accessible toilets.

“The current lack of these facilities means, for example, some children face being changed on public toilet floors. Some people may even minimise how much they drink during the day to avoid using the toilet, which is bound to have a physical impact on their health in terms of dehydration.

“No one should face the situation of avoiding to use the loo. These toilets will change this, and allow people to have their toiletry needs met in a dignified way.”

It is estimated that there are currently only around 1,300 Changing Places toilets in England. This funding will significantly boost this number and increase provision in places where Changing Places toilets are most needed.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, who will support Rochdale Council and local authorities across the country in their delivery with technical advice and training.

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Notes for editors:-

• An explanatory note on the decision-making process can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changing-places-fund-allocation-of-funding-following-round-1-assessment/changing-places-fund-explanatory-note-on-the-decision-making-process
• The prospectus for the £30 million Changing Places toilets programme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changing-places-toilets-programme-prospectus
• The Changing Places Consortium official website: https://www.changing-places.org/