Issue - meetings

The Council considered a motion from the Labour group about public toilet provision.

On a motion from Councillor Robin Moss, seconded by Councillor Paul Roper, it was then unanimously

RESOLVED that

Council notes that:

1. Bath attracts over 6 million visitors a year^[1] and is one of Britain’s most visited cities by overseas tourists^[2]

2. Tourism brings over half a billion pounds to our economy^[3]

3. Everyone needs to use the loo throughout the day, but for very many people, access to a public toilet can be hard to predict. The Royal Society of Public Health estimates 1 in 5 limit going out and 56% limit fluid intake on purpose, because they’re worried about toilet availability.^[4]

4. Public toilets are essential for dignity, hygiene and public health. They protect social interaction and related economic activity for many:
   • more than 20% of the population are women of menstruating age^[5]
   • urinary incontinence affects roughly 20%^[6]
   • one in ten have problems with bowel control^[7]
   • disability is “a lot” life-limiting for 6% of residents and “a little” for 10.4%^[8]
   • and under-fives make up around 5%.^[9]

5. In 2011 B&NES had 27 public toilet sites (B&NES’ 2011-2026 Public Toilet Provision Strategy)^[10] but its public toilet website says we have just 20 today^[11]

6. A quick look on www.toiletmap.uk shows our loos are very few and far between.

7. Most of our public toilets close at 6pm, and many close earlier.
8. B&NES’ Public Toilet Provision strategy should be reviewed on a five-yearly basis, so if this motion is passed this should have no budgetary implications.

Council recognises that:

9. People limit trips when they can’t confidently access public toilets – this impacts long-term physical and mental health, the public space and local economy.

10. Our residents, visitors and traders will all benefit from more public toilets.

Council agrees that:

11. A full review of the Public Toilet Provision Strategy is now needed as the Strategy reaches its end-date. It should: