Fall in public toilets may keep some people at home

Analysis by the Royal Society for Public Health reports a 14% drop in public toilet provision in England since 2016 and estimates about 15,481 people per public lavatory based on FoI responses; the RSPH says this can lead some people to avoid leaving home, restrict fluids or relieve themselves in public.

Local provision of public toilets in England has declined and health leaders say this is affecting people’s willingness to go out. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) analysed Freedom of Information responses from councils and reports a fall since 2016. The organisation links the change to possible public urination, people limiting fluid intake and some avoiding leaving home. The RSPH has proposed creating strategic authorities and seeking central funding to improve provision. Key points: - The RSPH says public toilet numbers in England have fallen by about 14% since 2016. - Its calculation, based on FoI responses from 221 of 309 local authorities covering roughly 47 million people, puts the average at about 15,481 people per public lavatory. - The RSPH reports that reduced access can lead some people to avoid going out, to restrict fluids (risking dehydration), or to urinate in public, which it says affects hygiene and public spaces. - The Local Government Association notes funding pressures, maintenance costs (reported as up to £25,000 a year for some facilities) and problems from vandalism; some councils have worked with businesses on community toilet schemes but gaps remain. Summary: The RSPH is calling for strategic authorities, developer requirements and central government funding to reverse the decline in facilities. Councils currently decide local provision and the government has said funding is available for council services; Undetermined at this time.