New requirements will be brought forward for single sex toilet
facilities in new non-domestic buildings to alleviate safety,
privacy and dignity concerns.
The new legislation follows the results of a consultation on the
proposals, where responses showed 81% agreed with the intention
for separate single-sex toilet facilities and 82% agreed with the
intention to provide universal toilets where space
allows. A universal toilet is self-contained, and a fully
enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.
Responses highlighted particular concerns from women, elderly and
the disabled who felt unfairly disadvantaged as publicly
accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender
neutral facilities where users share cubicle and hand-washing
facilities. This leads to increasing waiting in shared queues,
decreased choice and less privacy and dignity.
The new requirements will mean everyone can access appropriate
facilities either through a separate single-sex space or a
self-contained, universal toilet.
Changes to building regulations will mean that new non-domestic
buildings, including restaurants, shopping centres, offices and
public toilets will be required to provide separate single-sex
toilets for women and men. Self-contained, universal toilets may
be provided in addition, where space allows, or instead of
single-sex toilets where there isn't enough space.
In addition to single-sex toilets becoming the default for new
non-domestic buildings and places undertaking major
refurbishment, the policy encourages provision of self-contained
universal toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a
washbasin and hand-drying facilities for individual use.
Minister for Women and Equalities said:
“These regulations will guide organisations to design unisex and
single-sex toilets, ending the rise of so-called "gender-neutral"
mixed sex toilet spaces, which deny privacy and dignity to both
men and women.
“Today's announcement will also create better provision for women
so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are
met.
“This is following our work last week limiting the use of
mixed-sex wards in the NHS and demonstrates how this government
is committed to ensuring single-sex spaces are protected for
all.”
Housing Minister said:
“We know all members of society value safety, privacy and
dignity, and this new legislation will help ensure the right
facilities are in place for everyone.
“It is vital that new buildings, particularly in public spaces,
are serving the community with right toilet provision.”
The Government is clear that single-sex spaces are essential for
ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls.
The move comes following a set of announcements of firm action to
protect spaces for women and girls, such as the
Government's introduction of a new NHS constitution which
put patient safety and dignity at the heart of care, including
reinforcing the NHS's commitment to providing single-sex
wards. It also follows the Minister for Women and
Equalities' call for examples of organisations issuing incorrect
guidance on single-sex spaces.
In addition, the Department for Education re-enforced that
Schools are required to comply with minimum standards, including
that separate toilets for boys and girls aged 8 years and over
are to be provided. While colleges are not subject to the same
legal requirements, they should take the same approach given the
same safeguarding considerations apply.
Changes to building regulations will ensure that:
- Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men
and women;
- Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition
to single-sex toilets, where space allows;
- Self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of
single-sex toilets only where lack of space reasonably precludes
provision of single-sex toilet accommodation.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The new requirement will apply to new non-domestic buildings, or
buildings which undergo a material change of use, with some
exceptions.
These exemptions are:
- residential homes;
- ensuite facilities in individual rooms for residential
purposes;
- residential rooms in care homes;
- premises used wholly or mainly for early years
provision;
- schools;
- cellular accommodation in custodial facilities.
While separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years
or over must already be provided in schools, except where the
toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from
the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a
time.
The changes will affect England only.
In the Building Regulations 2010 Part T and Approved Document T,
the phrase universal toilets is used. This refers to
self-contained, private toilets, which are a fully enclosed
toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.
