Issue - meetings

Publicly accessible toilet facilities are a fundamental need for everyone whenever they are “away from home”.  This Provision Strategy establishes a framework for future provision in a range of ways and by a range of providers and with a range of funding sources, to achieve an overall improved standard of quality, quantity and distribution.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson made a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 5 and on the Council's website] in which she made the case for the importance of public toilets for workers, shoppers and visitors to the area.

Councillor David Dixon, in proposing the item, said that the proposal was for a 15-year rolling strategy.  Cabinet were determined to safeguard the provision.  He agreed with Councillor Jackson that toilet provision was essential to the local community and to the economy.  He was particularly keen to engage with developers so that the provision or replacement of local toilets could be agreed as part of any development.  He emphasised that when toilets were being upgraded, they were being made compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.

Councillor David Bellotti referred to paragraph 3.9 of the report and emphasised that the strategy was subject to an annual revenue review.

Councillor Roger Symonds was pleased to note that the toilets in the coach park would also be improved, because for some visitors this was their first impression of Bath.

On a motion from Councillor David Dixon, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) to ADOPT the Provision Strategy for Public Toilets in Bath & North East Somerset, 2011-2026, with reviews to be carried out every 5 years.