Work

Legislative influence on the decline of public toilet provision in the UK: a case study of Leeds city

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The provision of public toilets has declined in the UK, limiting citizens' ability to use public spaces and fully participate in society. This article investigates the legislative context of this decline by analysing the Public Health 1936, Section 87, which remains the principal legislation influencing public toilet provision. We use the Institutional Grammar Tool and a narrative case study of the history of public toilets in Leeds City Centre to unpack the weakening influence of the norm-driven policy on the provision of public toilets. We argue that changing notions of infrastructural citizenship in broader society have contributed to the abandonment of public toilets and an increasing reliance on private provision and individual independence, which are inherently more exclusionary. This article raises important questions about how fit-for-purpose the current UK public toilet policy is, and ends with a call for more robust legislation to promote greater infrastructural citizenship and ensure inclusive public spaces for all.

Source: Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development

DOI: 10.2166/washdev.2024.380

Authors: Grace Phiri, Virginia Roaf, Paul Hutchings, Barbara Evans

Institution: University of Leeds

Language: English

Topic: Gender Studies and Social Issues

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4404541808