Big opportunity for Changing Places installers as major £30m investment announced
Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has committed that a £30 million investment for Changing Places toilets, representing a big opportunity for suppliers and installers of the facilities across England.
With more than a quarter of a million people in the UK requiring assistance to use the toilet, including those with spinal injuries and multiple disabilities, Changing Places facilities provide the equipment and space needed for people to use the toilet in dignity.
In recent years, the Government has opened up funding to improve access to the toilets, including opening up new funding for motorway services providers and NHS trusts.
Taking Changing Places investment further, the new program will see the Government match-fund the costs of installing the facilities into existing buildings in England and has been widely welcomed both Changing Places Consortium and Changing Places toilet campaigners.
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 this week is about spreading opportunity, not only across different parts of the country, but also throughout our communities.”
It is also expected to confirm that Changing Places toilets will be compulsory in new public buildings by the end of the year following consultation of proposals to make it a mandatory requirement in all new, large, publicly-accessible buildings and significant redevelopments.
For Changing Places equipment suppliers and retailers, the developments will come as welcome news as demand is expected to rise.
Clare Lucas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Muscular Dystrophy UK, says: “Going to the toilet is a basic human right, yet too many disabled people are denied that right because of a lack of Changing Places toilets. We are pleased the Government has recognised the need for more of these facilities and is making such a significant investment.
“The Changing Places Consortium and campaigners met with Rishi Sunak — then a minister at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) — and Government officials in 2018 and 2019 to discuss how the Government could help increase Changing Places toilet provision.”
The Government has said it will set out further details on the Changing Places toilet fund in due course.
https://thiis.co.uk/big-opportunity-for-changing-places-installers-as-major-30m-investment-announced/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/total-hygiene-changing-places.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/total-hygiene-changing-places-150x150.jpgGovernment & Local AuthoritiesInvestments & FundingNewsroomSector NewsChancellor Rishi Sunak MP has committed that a £30 million investment for Changing Places toilets, representing a big opportunity for suppliers and installers of the facilities across England. With more than a quarter of a million people in the UK requiring assistance to use the toilet, including those with spinal...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine