Building Strong Communities

There is a severe lack of public toilets in London, and London boroughs do not have a duty to provide toilets.

Lack of public toilets is a major issue for 1 in 5 people.
This includes older people, disabled people, pregnant women, parents with young children, people with certain health conditions: IBS, Crohn’s, Colitis or bladder weakness, people who drive for a living and homeless people
This has a serious impact on their wellbeing, limits their ability to go out to exercise, travel to visit loved ones, go shopping, pick up medication or even travel to work. Some people become almost housebound, and socially isolated
This also creates a public health risk, due to lack of handwashing facilities, and as people relieve themselves in the open.

Provision
Could it be mandatory for public buildings and stores of a certain size to provide toilets for use by the public. For example DIY stores, leisure centres, pubs, galleries, libraries, museums, council offices.
Can the number of Community toilets schemes be increased-local businesses are paid by the borough to allow non-customers to use their toilets, and display window signs to inform the public that their toilets are available. However it must be ensured that Community toilets offer extended opening hours, disabled access, and baby change.

Information
Up to date and detailed information is needed, e.g a map on the internet which shows where toilets are, when they are open, and the facilities offered such as disabled access or baby changing facilities . Also street signage, telephone helplines, printed leaflets and maps, websites and mobile phone applications.