The Community Toilet Scheme, also referred to as the public toilet scheme, allows more members of the public access to clean toilet facilities across London.
It encourages local businesses, such as retail, leisure and hospitality, to let the public use their toilets without having to pay for anything first. The public is allowed to access the facilities during standard opening hours.
Why was the Community Toilet Scheme introduced?
Cuts to local authority funding and increased costs have impacted available facilities across the UK, but especially in London, where access to free hygiene facilities is harder to come by.
According to the Age UK report, Lifting The Lid, London councils have closed 97 public toilets since 2013, with more closures since. Very few new facilities have been opened to replace those lost.
Clean, accessible facilities are essential for public wellbeing, and considered a human right. Access is particularly important for individuals who have conditions such as Crohn’s and IBS, older people or those with disabilities.
In response to the decline in public toilet facilities, several London councils created Community Toilet Schemes. Most of the businesses signed up are bars and cafes, and businesses receive compensation from their local council.
They are identified by a sticker in the window, or you can find out where the toilets are located through a search platform, The Great British Toilet Map.
How can IVS Cleaning Services help you provide better facilities?
As a partner of the public toilet scheme in London, IVS Cleaning is trusted to provide an excellent service to the bars, restaurants and shops that open their cubicle doors to the masses.
IVS Cleaning provides an economical, efficient public and commercial toilet cleaning service. We help businesses ensure that, in helping members of the public, their usual customers can still benefit from high hygiene standards.
London businesses that are interested in joining the scheme can contact their local council. Or if your business is already signed up, get in touch with IVS Cleaning to see how we can help you help the public access clean toilets.
