Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about access to municipal public toilets during the coronavirus pandemic.

As you know, public toilets in all local authorities across England were closed at the beginning of the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. I recognise that many people have struggled without them, including those with Chron’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

On 28th June, the Government issued guidance to all local authorities in England on measures that can be taken to reopen public toilets in a safe way. It has urged councils to consider the equality implications of those with particular health needs who need to use the toilet more often.

Public hygiene is of the upmost importance, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Reopening public toilets will improve the quality of life for people with conditions that require toilet access. I recognise the concerns raised by Chron’s & Colitis UK that locked public toilets are preventing some people with long-term conditions from exercising, meeting friends and family, shopping for food or picking up medication.

The Royal Society for Public Health has raised concerns that, between 2010 and 2018, councils have stopped maintaining around 13% of public toilets following substantial reductions to their budgets by central Government. Data obtained by the trade union Unison finds that a fifth of public toilets have closed since 2010.

The work that local authorities do is central to addressing this public health emergency and in helping to hold local communities together. Coronavirus has demonstrated beyond all doubt just how important their work is. I believe it is vital that councils receive the funding they need during and beyond the pandemic.

I will press the Government to support local authorities to reopen public toilets as soon as possible and ensure that social distancing measures are safely in place.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP