The Northern Ireland Department of Finance has today launched a
consultation on proposals to introduce requirements for the
fitting of Changing Places Toilet (CPT) facilities in certain
buildings commonly used by the public.
Finance Minister said: “Last
year, I committed to incorporating Changing Places Toilets into
our local Building Regulations and we have been working with
stakeholders on proposals to make that happen.
“The approach we are outlining today would introduce a
requirement for Changing Places Toilets to be fitted in certain
buildings meeting specified criteria. This is an important step
in dignity and equality which will make an immense difference to
the lives of disabled people, their carers and their families. By
enhancing Changing Places Toilets provision it will bring us
closer to having proper facilities available in buildings where
people who need to can access them.
“I would encourage everyone to respond to the consultation before
it closes on Wednesday 20th October.”
Changing Places Toilets facilities meet the needs of people with
profound and multiple learning disabilities as well as people
with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries,
muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. This new requirement
for Changing Places Toilets will be in addition to the current
requirements for standard accessible toilets.
Michaela Hollywood, Changing Places user and campaigner said:
“These proposals will see disabled people afforded opportunities
to live their lives to the fullest, safe in the knowledge a
toilet they can use is there when they need it. As one of those
people who too often has to make a decision between a day out and
staying hydrated I am delighted to see this consultation launched
today.
“This not only benefits disabled people, their carers, families
and friends, it benefits our local economy as having a Changing
Places Toilet can help unlock the spending power of disabled
people.”
Equality campaigner, Christine McClements, welcomed the
consultation and said: "Changing places toilets provide much more
than safe, dignified and hygienic toilet for disabled people.
They are also the key to providing disabled and some older
people, carers and families with full and active citizenship and
participation opportunities right across our society. A
requirement for changing places toilets in certain types of
buildings as proposed, will make a significant and positive
contribution to the full inclusion, equality and rights of
disabled people here."
Further details and a link to enable you to respond can be found
here https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-proposals-amendment-technical-booklet-guidance-part-r-access-and-use-buildings-changing.
Notes to editors:
1. The proposals being consulted upon were developed in
conjunction with a Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory
Committee (NIBRAC) Technical Sub-Committee, chaired by a NIBRAC
member, and with members co-opted externally on the basis of
their expertise.
2. These proposed changes would apply in certain buildings
meeting specified criteria, where the Building Regulations are
triggered (in the case of a new building or where there is a
material change of use to an existing building). Building
Regulations do not provide a mechanism outside of these scenarios
for compelling building owners to retrofit.
3. In the proposals being consulted upon, the requirement for
CPTs would be introduced by amending the technical guidance to
the Building Regulations, mirroring the approach taken in
administrations in Britain. The Department of Finance has also
been in liaising with counterparts in the Irish government with
regard to their provision of CPTs.
