Decision details

To seek authority to reopen public conveniences in the borough as detailed in the report and in line with government guidance.

THAT the Leader of the Council:

1)    Authorises the reopening of public conveniences in the Borough as detailed in this report from 4th July 2020.

2)    Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Parks and Street Care to take any operational measures and make any operational decisions necessary to facilitate the safe reopening and continued management of the public conveniences as detailed in the report.

To enable the public to use public conveniences in our town centres and parks.

To enable operational decisions and actions to be taken swiftly without overburdening the Executive to ensure safe reopening and management of the public toilets.

The toilets could remain closed, however this would be contrary to government advice which encourages the safe reopening of public toilets. In particular the government are concerned that “closed toilets may impact disproportionately on certain groups who for health reasons rely on access to public toilets to be able to leave their homes.” Keeping the toilets closed, particularly in town centres would not support the public in returning to town centres which is necessary to improve local economies.