The number of public toilets in England has fallen by 14% in a decade, creating vast 'toilet deserts' that harm public health and damage high streets, according to a report by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
The analysis, based on freedom of information responses from 221 English councils, found a significant shortfall in provision, with 15,481 people per public toilet. This compares unfavourably to Scotland (8,500 per toilet) and Wales (6,748 per toilet).
William Roberts, chief executive of the RSPH, said the situation was 'not good enough' and warned that a lack of toilets leads to more public urination, creating unhygienic conditions. He added that some people avoid going out due to insufficient facilities, affecting high streets.
The RSPH is calling for new strategic authorities to have a duty to ensure sufficient public toilets, backed by central government funding. It also wants regulations requiring public toilets in developments with non-residential units.
The Local Government Association highlighted that vulnerable groups, including older people, those with disabilities, and rough sleepers, are disproportionately affected. A spokesperson noted that maintenance costs of £25,000 per toilet per year, plus vandalism, put pressure on council budgets.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said over £78bn has been made available for council finances, with local leaders free to decide how to spend it.
