Work

To go or not to go: The challenges of UK public toilet provision

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The United Kingdom's public toilet provision currently faces many challenges. This paper sets out some of the key barriers to providing inclusive toilet provision. We suggest that one of the key challenges provision faces is the taboo of the public toilet and that this contributes to a lack of recognition in the essentials of provision. However, we argue that the taboo around public toilets also affects future funding, not only of the provision itself but extends to research of the provision and it's social and economic necessity. Such research would generate evidence on the importance of public toilets for everyone's successful urban living, but especially from a public health perspective that affects everyone. • There is a lack of accurate data on the number of public toilets in the UK leading to a patchwork of provision and areas with widespread shortfalls. • Poor management of public toilets can result in them feeling unsafe for many users. • There is no data to measure the economic benefit of public toilet provision in urban, semi urban, tourist and rural areas. • Public toilets play a key role in health/wellbeing and are considered a wider facilitator of good public health practice. • There is identifiable knowledge gaps and the need for more research on the design and provision of public toilets.

Source: Health & Place

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103545

Authors: Jo-Anne Bichard, Gail Ramster

Institution: Royal College of Art

Language: English

Topic: Gender Studies and Social Issues

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,380