The Scottish Government’s Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund is open for applications.

The fund will support the provision of up to 150 specialist accessible toilets to meet the needs of disabled people who require carer support and equipment to use facilities.

Many public toilets marked as for the use of people with a disability have little room in them for manoeuvring around in a wheelchair. The key features which distinguish Changing Places Toilets (CPT) from standard accessible toilets are that they:

• offer adequate space (at least 12m²) for a disabled person, as well as space for their wheelchair to turn, and one or two carers.
• have an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench to allow people to lie down to have their personal care needs met.
• have a ceiling hoist to lift people out of their wheelchair safely
• have a centrally placed peninsular toilet which provides access for people who require support on both sides.

Further information on the fund and Inspiring Scotland, who administer the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government, can be found here.

Mental Wellbeing Minister in the Scottish Government Tom Arthur said:

“Access to toilet facilities is a fundamental human right. Changing Places Toilets offer vital facilities for people with disabilities and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision.

“I am very pleased the Fund has now launched. This £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets will make a huge difference to thousands of disabled people and their families and carers, enabling them to participate fully in society and access community resources.”

There are currently 270 Changing Places Toilets in Scotland, an increase of 30% since 2019 when new legislation required these accessible spaces to be included in large new buildings with public access.

Priority will be given to areas which do not currently have adequate provision of Changing Places Toilets: Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund