Stockport Council secures funding for accessibility upgrades

Stockport Council has secured £141,900 to improve accessibility in the borough that will fund the installation of three Changing Places toilets for severely disabled residents.

The funding is part of a £23.5 million funding commitment, announced by the Chancellor in yesterday’s Spring Statement that will increase the number of Changing Places toilets in England by nearly 40%, to 1,813. These facilities offer larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.

Stockport currently has no Changing Places toilets, however, plans for the facilities were including as part of plans to ensure accessibility for all at both Stockport Interchange and Stockroom, the town’s new town centre library and community hub currently being developed in Merseyway.

Commenting on the award of funds nationally, Ministerial Disability Champion Eddie Hughes MP 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 our funding today 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.”

Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, which has aided the Department of Levelling Up with making funding decisions, added:

“Today’s announcement is life-changing news for the thousands of people and families who rely on Changing Places toilets when they are in public, because being able to use a toilet that is suitable for your needs is a basic human right.”