Law on further disabled toilet provision goes to consultation

Proposed new legislation covering toilet facilities for people with complex care needs has been put out for consultation by the Scottish Government.

Ministers plan to introduce a requirement for "changing places toilets" (CPTs) through revisions to the building standards system.

CPTs offer larger, supported facilities that address the needs of people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate. A network of nearly 200 CPTs exists across Scotland but there is no current legislation requiring their provision within buildings.

A CPT provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two carers. It offers adequate space for a disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, as well as their wheelchair and one or two carers, and contains equipment to enable safe and easy use of the facilities, including an adult sized, height adjustable changing bench, a ceiling tracking or a mobile hoist and a peninsular (centrally placed) toilet.

Ministers say the introduction of regulations to require CPTs in defined types of larger new building would increase the provision of these facilities nationally in a proportionate manner. Such provision would be over and above the current provision of standard and accessible sanitary facilities in buildings.

Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning commented: “These changes to building standards will improve the lives of thousands of families who are severely restricted by a lack of facilities and as a result find themselves excluded from their communities and travel. I strongly encourage people to take part in this extremely important consultation.”

Click here to access the consultation. The deadline for responses is 13 May 2019.