Public toilets in London

The London Assembly is investigating the state of public toilets in London - how easy it is to find one, whether they are clean, safe and accessible, and whether when you find one it has the facilities you need. Not finding a decent toilet can be just a minor inconvenience. But it can be a serious concern if you have limited mobility, have certain medical conditions, care for someone who does, or have a young child. It might affect where you choose to shop or visit, or even deter you from going out altogether.

A public meeting on this topic was held on 16 January at City Hall, and was attended by around 150 people.

Joanne McCartney AM, Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, who is leading this investigation, said:

'The message at the meeting was clear: The number and quality of public toilets in London has gone downhill in the last few decades and it is having a direct affect on the quality of people’s lives.'

Read press release issued following the meeting.

Findings and recommendations will be reported to the Assembly and are scheduled to be published in February 2006.

For further information about this investigation please contact the Scrutiny Manager, Paul Watling - email paul.watling@london.gov.uk, tel 020 7983 4393.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for this investigation are:

The rapporteur group will investigate the current provision of public toilets in London, how this has changed in recent years and what may be causing these changes. The investigation will cover examples of good practice and seek to recommend how these examples could improve provision in London. Issues that will be considered include:

What factors are causing any reduction in toilet provision and how these can be addressed
What can be done to improve access to toilets for people with children, with disabilities or medical conditions and older people
Consider how to address any issues of hygiene and cleanliness.

Terms and conditions

Accessibility

Privacy

Freedom of information

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