Second round of Changing Places funding worth £6.5m now open to local authorities

The UK Government has announced that local authorities in England can now apply to the second round of Changing Places funding with a total of £6.5 million available.

This latest funding round is part of the overall Changing Places Fund of £30 million. Round one opened last summer and £23.5 million has since been allocated to 191 local authorities across England.

Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and additional space for carers and wheelchair users.

The latest Changing Places Toilet (CPT) figures show that there are currently 1,750 registered facilities across the UK.

The £30 million Changing Places Fund in England is designed to make public places and tourist attractions more accessible to disabled people, providing a significant increase in areas where users want them most, such as high streets, events venues, and shops.

Eligible local authorities can now submit expressions of interest to receive a proportion of the second round of funding, worth £6.5 million, to install facilities in their communities and help more residents enjoy a worry-free day out.

Apply for funding here. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 30 September 2022.

Catherine Woodhead, CEO Muscular Dystrophy UK, commented: “Changing Places toilets go beyond the provision of standard accessible toilets offering more space and necessary equipment. It’s estimated that well over a quarter of a million people, including many with muscle-wasting conditions, need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted.

“We have warmly welcomed the government’s investment of £30 million for the installation of Changing Places toilets in existing buildings in England and support the commitment to this second phase allocation of funding.

“We are delighted to continue working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to jointly guide the distribution of this funding and to provide information and advice to local authorities as they plan and manage installations in their area.”

Recently, Harefield Hospital in the London Borough of Hillingdon installed a new Changing Places toilet for patients, visitors, and staff. Supplied by assistive technology firm Astor Bannerman, the facility offers a height-adjustable washbasin and the Astor Invincible changing table.