Issue - meetings

To approve an addition to the Capital Programme to Fund the installation of three new changing places toilets (report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Delivery enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Delivery, which requested approval of an addition to the Capital Programme to Fund the installation of three new changing places toilets.

An update on progress was provided – the Ayscoughfee toilets were now complete; the toilets in the SheepMarket were in the planning stages; and work had just started on the toilets in Holbeach Town Centre.

In response to a comment that there were no net costs for installation, and how much would running costs be, it was confirmed that these toilets would be included within the usual toilet maintenance programme.

Members questioned whether there had been any provision included to limit the effects of vandalism.  It was stated that this was always a difficult problem to deal with however, the toilets would be separately accessible to people that needed to use them -they would be accessed by either a specific key (similar to that used to access disabled toilets), and consideration was being given to providing access via a QR code which could be obtained from the Council.

DECISION:

1)    That the Government Grant of £150,000 to support the installation of three new changing places toilets be accepted; and

2)    An addition of £150,000 to the Capital Programme, funded from the Government Grant, be approved.

(Other options considered:

·         The councils could decide not to accept all or part of the grant and not provide these enhanced facilities. This would though prevent the Council from improving the quality of lives for all of its residents and up to 1 million people in the country who rely on such facilities in order to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.

Reasons for decision:

·         Changing Places toilets are larger and more accessible for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult sized changing benches, and space for carers. Increasing the provision of these toilets is part of a £30m national government disability strategy to allow more physically impaired individuals to undertake more recreational activities with dignity, confidence, and freedom).