8. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Changing Places Toilets

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:32 pm on 16 November 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 5:32, 16 November 2022

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and can I say what a pleasure it is to close today's Welsh Conservatives debate on Changing Places toilets? I'd like to thank all Members who have taken part and, in particular, for the cross-party support that the motion has received across the Chamber today. In closing this debate, I'd like to focus on perhaps three points that I think have been picked up by most Members across the Chamber. The first was outlined by Mark Isherwood, who opened today's debate and who, may I add, has done fantastic work in raising awareness of Changing Places toilets, as Members have highlighted, and continues to speak up on disability rights time and time again in this Chamber. 

Mark Isherwood highlighted that it is a key to the delivery of the Equality Act 2010, the availability of Changing Places toilets, which go beyond the provision, of course, of standard accessible toilets. These facilities are so important for so many people up and down Wales, with their larger, accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, changing benches and spaces for carers. Staggeringly, as Peter Fox highlighted in his contribution, there are still around just 50 Changing Places in the whole of Wales. Sioned Williams, in her contribution, highlighted that, without these spaces, it can have a detrimental impact on many people who want to go about their daily lives. Many simply just can't do the normal day-to-day activities that so many of us take for granted, or go to those places that so many of us just take for granted and enjoy.

Secondly, I just want to highlight how local authorities and other organisations can work with Welsh Government to ensure that these important facilities are introduced. Carolyn Thomas highlighted examples from her region of those organisations where those facilities are and where it works well, and perhaps organisations where those facilities could and should be. It's also worth highlighting that I know Conwy County Borough Council, when they built their new offices in Colwyn Bay, ensured that the Changing Places toilets were in that building. But that only happened because it happened at the design stage, and that's really important, actually, that it's thought through right at the start of any new building. 

As we sadly know, raised by Mark Isherwood, there are some local authorities that are not following the guidance that has been issued. I know, Minister, that you are supporting us here today, and I appreciate all the work that's ongoing, but clearly there are some local authorities that are still not following the guidance that was issued by the Welsh Government. [Interruption.] I thought I had three minutes, Deputy Presiding Officer. You're very kind. I'll try and wrap it up a bit more now as well.

I just want to quickly touch on what our motion is seeking to do. We want the Welsh Government to provide a suitable funding mechanism and clear guidance to local authorities to ensure there is equitable provision of Changing Places toilets in every county in Wales. I certainly appreciate the comments made by the Minister and her support for this motion here today. I again thank all Members for their constructive contributions and call on all Members to support our motion. Diolch yn fawr iawn.