Review of toilet provision
On 31 October 2020, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick launched a review of toilet provision for women and men.
The government says evidence shows increasing numbers of publicly accessible toilets are being converted into ‘gender neutral’ facilities, causing problems for women and the elderly. The review will also consider signage, which it suggests should be clearer and use sex-specific language.
The government points out that women often face queues for toilets or don’t have access to appropriate facilities. Over recent years there has also been a trend towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets, which is against legislation where public authorities have a duty to provide safe spaces for women in lavatories in buildings.
The technical review, led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will consider the ratio of female toilets versus the number for men, given the need for women to use cubicles, and will address the misconception that removing sex-specific toilets is a requirement of equality legislation. It will also take into account the need to ensure there is fair provision of accessible and unisex toilets for people with disabilities and families with children.
Robert Jenrick said: “I have launched a review to ….make sure that women can expect a sense of dignity, security and safety when using facilities. We want to maintain safeguards that protect women and the proper provision of separate toilets, which has long been a regulatory requirement, should be retained and improved.”
The review will gather views from interested parties as well as calling on the technical knowledge of industry experts. When it is concluded, as well as providing clearer guidance, the government will consider updating the building regulations or building standards to specify the number of toilets provided for each sex.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accessibility in the built environment.
- Approved Document G.
- Approved Document H.
- Approved Document M.
- Bathroom definition.
- Changing places.
- Equality Act.
- Inclusive design.
- Lifetime Homes Design Guide (EP 100).
- Lifetime homes.
- People with disabilities.
- Installed level access shower.
- Sanitaryware.
- Sanitary accommodation.
- Water closet.
- Wet room.
Featured articles and news
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.