MPs in appeal to make new homes and transport ‘loneliness proof’

NEW HOUSING developments and public transport routes should be “loneliness proofed” and more public toilets and benches introduced to help people reconnect as coronavirus restrictions ease, according to a report.

MPs and peers from the AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Loneliness say the public needs more “safe and welcoming” public spaces to help them reconnect with others.

The group’s report says there are “too many barriers” preventing people from connecting.

It gives examples such as a lack of green spaces, public toilets, playing areas, local bus services, and ramps for people with disabilities.

The report, A Connected Recovery, is the result of the first independent parliamentary inquiry into loneliness.

The APPG is supported by the Red Cross, whose survey suggests that more than a third of adults do not think their feelings of loneliness will go away after the pandemic.

The survey, of 2,000 UK adults in March, also found that 30 per cent said a lack of facilities like public toilets or local buses will stop them meeting people.

The APPG said groups more likely to have experienced loneliness during the pandemic are people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those who live alone and are shielding, younger people and parents of young children.

It is calling for the Government to allocate long-term funding to tackle loneliness.

APPG chairman and Conservative MP Neil O’Brien said his most isolated constituents have been the least able to cope during the pandemic,

He said: “This means more public toilets, better street lighting, ramps and quiet safe spaces, so that everyone from all ages and all backgrounds has the facilities they need in order to make valuable friendships in their area.”