Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has welcomed the news that both Reading Borough Council and West Berkshire Council have been allocated funding from the Changing Places Fund.

Through the Changing Places Fund, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is making up to £30 million available to local authorities to boost the provision of Changing Places toilets in existing buildings. Funding is available over three years, from 2021/22 - 2023/24.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible facilities, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers. These facilities are vital for people unable to use standard accessible toilets and for their family and carers. It is estimated that there are currently only around 1,300 Changing Places toilets in England. This funding will significantly boost this number and increase provision in places where Changing Places toilets are most needed.

Today, the Government has announced investments worth £23.5 million that are expected to deliver over 500 new Changing Places toilets. These will be delivered in a wide range of venues identified as priorities through user research, including art galleries, cinemas, concert halls, shopping centres, recreation and entertainment buildings, libraries, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks and gardens so that more people can access and enjoy these places.

This programme is being delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, who will support local authorities in their delivery with technical advice and training.

Alok said:

“I am delighted to learn that Reading Borough Council will receive over £162,000 and West Berkshire Council will receive £40,000 from the Changing Places Fund. This should help to increase the provision of vital Changing Places toilets in our local area.”

Eddie Hughes MP, Ministerial Disability Champion, said:

“It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities. I am delighted that this funding will help provide over 500 new Changing Places toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom.”