Reading gets funding boost for its accessible toilets

READING is to receive a share of a £30 million pot to upgrade its toilets.

The Changing Places Fund has been made available from the government’s department for levelling up, housing and communities, and is aimed at boosting the number of accessible toilets for people who need additional facilities such as hoists, curtains, changing benches and spaces for carers.

It is thought there are just 1,300 Changing Places toilets currently in England, so the funding boost has been welcomed by Reading West MP Alok Sharma.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, who will support local authorities with technical advice and training, and the focus will be on venues identified as priorities through user research, including art galleries, cinemas, concert halls, shopping centres.

Also under consideration will be libraries, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks and gardens.

It’s all aimed at ensuring more people can enjoy the venues.

“I am delighted to learn that Reading Borough Council will receive over £162,000 and West Berkshire Council will receive £40,000 from the Changing Places Fund,” Mr Sharma said.

“This should help to increase the provision of vital Changing Places toilets in our local area.”

And this view has been echoed by Eddie Hughes MP, Ministerial Disability Champion.

“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,” he said.

“I am delighted that this funding 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.”