MP WELCOMES £113,600 FOR NEW ‘CHANGING PLACES’ TOILETS IN CHESHIRE

Cheshire West & Chester Council will receive £73,600 of Government funding, and Cheshire East Council a further £40,000—a total of £113,600 across the County—to deliver new Changing Places toilets as part of a £23.5 million national investment, Whitehall has confirmed.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard facilities. They are equipped with hoists, curtains, and adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families, and carers.

There are currently 1,300 Changing Places toilets in England, but this announcement provides funding for an additional 500 facilities.

The new rooms will be delivered across a range of public venues, including cinemas, galleries, shopping centres, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks, and other entertainment spaces—ensuring those with severe disabilities have the facilities available that they need to enjoy public amenities without worry.

The charity Muscular Dystrophy UK is working in partnership with the Government to deliver these additional spaces, and is supporting local authorities in providing technical advice and training.

Eddisbury MP, Edward Timpson CBE, said:

“Our public spaces provide fantastic opportunities to get out and see our communities, so it is only right that everybody can enjoy them.

“That is why I welcome this grant of £113,600 to Cheshire councils, which will help to bring new Changing Places toilets to locations such as the County’s cinemas, museums, and libraries.”

He added:

“I have had the privilege of being associated with the Changing Places scheme for 14 years now.

“I campaigned for—and even opened—new Changing Places toilets in Cheshire: one in Crewe’s Lyceum Square, and one in our very own Leighton Hospital.

“I have seen the vital difference these practical facilities make to their users and the people who care for them. They reduce anxiety about—and limitations on—trips out, that many of us are fortunate enough not even to have to consider.

“This move by the Government will ensure that our public spaces and venues are accessible to everyone—bringing greater equality to our communities as we build back fairer.”

Eddie Hughes MP, Ministerial Disability Champion, said:

“It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out, or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities.

“I am delighted that this funding will help provide over 500 new Changing Places toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and with freedom.”

·       Cheshire West & Chester Council will receive £73,600 from the Government, and Cheshire East Council £40,000, to deliver new Changing Place toilets as part of a £23.5 million national investment (DLUHC, Press release, 24 March 2022).

·       Through the Changing Places Fund, up to £23.5 million is available to local authorities to boost in existing buildings the provision of Changing Places toilets, which are larger and more accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets (DLUHC, Press release, 24 March 2022).

·       There are currently 1,300 Changing Places toilets in England, but today’s announcement provides funding for an additional 500 rooms (DLUHC, Press release, 24 March 2022).

·       The new rooms will be delivered across a range of public venues: including cinemas, galleries, shopping centres, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks, and other entertainment spaces (DLUHC, Press release, 24 March 2022).

Pictured - Eddisbury MP, Edward Timpson.