| Britain's public toilets shame the nation, according to new research from the National Consumer Council (NCC). People want more of them, they should be cleaner, and with better facilities for women, parents and children.
Almost all of the 2,000 people surveyed want their local council to make sure public toilets reach a high standard. The NCC is now calling on government to make this happen.
Two-thirds say that our public toilets are ‘a national disgrace’. The worst performer is Yorkshire and Humberside, where just one in five people is satisfied with provision in their area. Scottish toilets are the best of a bad lot – only in Scotland are there more satisfied than dissatisfied people.
Better provision for women and parents & children is much in demand – particularly so in London, where nine in ten think that facilities should be better. Three-quarters of men nationwide agree.
The top priority for improvement is cleanliness. But people also resent having to pay for spending a penny. Nine in ten think public toilets should be free of charge in places such as train stations and shopping centres.
Philip Cullum, Deputy Chief Executive at the NCC says:
‘All around the country, people enjoying their bank holiday weekend will find public toilets closed or an in appalling state. This has a particular impact on older and disabled people and those with young families.
‘The dramatic decline of this most basic public service has to be reversed. We want to see local councils taking charge, whether by providing more public toilets themselves or coming up with creative approaches that will persuade others to do so.’
The NCC is also calling for free toilets in stations, shopping centres, busy high streets and play areas. We are also want better facilities for women and young families.
Notes to editors
1. RSGB survey commissioned by the NCC in Feb 2005. Based on 2,000 adults around Great Britain.
2. Regional survey results are attached.
3. The provision and maintenance of toilets in public places is at the discretion of local authorities who have the power, but no duty, to provide public conveniences under section 87 of the Public Health Act 1936.
4. Further information available from the NCC press office: 020 7881 3019
For further information contact:
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