• Newly announced figures show that £97,000 of funding has been made available for new Changing Places toilets in Crawley, as part of the first round of the Changing Places Fund.
• Through the CPF, local authorities will receive £23.5 million to boost the provision of Changing Places toilets in existing buildings, which are larger and more accessible toilets for those who cannot use standard facilities.
• This investment will make public amenities such as libraries, cinemas, and museums accessible to everyone in society, as we build back fairer.

Crawley will receive £97,000 of funding to deliver new Changing Places toilets as part of a £23.5 million national investment, the Government has confirmed.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard facilities. They are equipped with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families, and carers.

There are currently 1,300 Changing Places toilets in England, but this announcement provides funding for an additional 500 rooms.

Henry said;

“Our public spaces provide fantastic opportunities to get out and see our communities, and it’s only right that everybody can enjoy them.

“This is why I welcome the funding of £97,000 for Crawley which will help to bring new Changing Places toilets to locations such as cinemas, museums, and libraries.

“The move will ensure that our public spaces and venues are accessible to everyone – bringing equality to our communities as we build back fairer.”

The new rooms will be delivered across a range of public venues, including cinemas, galleries, shopping centres, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks, and other entertainment spaces – ensuring those with severe disabilities have the resources they need to enjoy public amenities.

Muscular Dystrophy UK is working in partnership with the Government to deliver the additional spaces, and are supporting local authorities in providing technical advice and training.

The Minister for Rough Sleeping & Housing and Ministerial Disability Champion, Eddie Hughes, said;

“It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities.

“I am delighted that our funding today will help provide over 500 new Changing Places toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom.”