Cardiff Council's Cabinet will consider a report on the findings of a public consultation on the Local Toilets Strategy, which sets out proposals to improve access to public toilet facilities at its meeting on December 19.

The strategy outlines the Council's intention to work with private sector businesses, so that toilets in cafes, public houses and other buildings are available for free for the public to use. A new sticker will be put in the front window of all the businesses that are taking part in the scheme.

All local authorities in Wales have a statutory responsibility under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017to prepare and publish a local toilets strategy for its area.

To support the requirements of the Act, the Council has maintained the current provision of Council owned public toilet facilities across the city and has invested in core and leisure buildings, ensuring that public conveniences remain free for the public to use. 

A public consultation was undertaken between January and March 2019 to assess the needs of residents, visitors and those who work in the city who use public toilets.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to have their say on the current provision of toilet facilities in the city."

"This consultation has been vital to help us gain information about the quality of existing sites addressing their location, accessibility, facilities, frequency of use as well as determining whether additional or fewer sites are required in the city."

"Cardiff Council has a responsibility to assess the community's need for toilets and to put a plan in place to meet identified needs."

"For certain groups in our society the need to access public toilets is even more important, especially those who are disabled, older people, people with specific medical conditions or long-term illnesses, women, children and young people as well as their families. As such, many groups can be disproportionately affected by inadequate, infrequent and generally poor provision."

"Over the last five years Cardiff Council has continued to invest in its services and council owned properties. This has included creating accessible toilets and changing facilities in many of our community buildings, as well as ensuring that facilities can be accessed by mixed carer couples/support. This in addition to generally improving standards and specifications through installing better fixtures and furnishings (automatic soap, water and hand dryer fittings), ensuring vandal proof, aesthetically pleasing, accessible and hygienic facilities.

Research has taken place, to gather information on opening times, accessibility and the types of facilities available in Cardiff. The businesses which are taking part in the scheme will then be listed into a database and published on the Welsh Government ‘Lle' map.

The strategy includes these main elements:

• Provide clean, safe, accessible and appropriately maintained facilities
• Maximise availability of toilets by working in partnership with private businesses
• Publicise and promote toilets which are part of the scheme through webpages, the Welsh Government ‘Lle' portal and other media
• Ensure that Council facilities and buildings continue to allow members of the public to access free toilet facilities
• Provide appropriate, accessible and effective facilities to all sections of the community without prejudice or bias. Enhancing social inclusion and removing barriers for all
• Ensure the public are aware which toilets can be used free of charge, through the scheme and signage is put in place in both English and Welsh
• Work with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and health care providers to look at the opportunities for these toilets to be opened to the public as part of the scheme
• Ensure that the Cardiff Council Events Team continue to provide advice and guidance on appropriate and accessible temporary toilet facilities at organised events to meet the diverse needs of the community
• Ensuring that funding is availablefrom existing resources so that adequate facilities are provided in areas where there is the greatest need.

Details about all the toilets which are available for the public to use in Cardiff will be accessible via theWelsh Government ‘Lle' portal:http://lle.gov.wales/home.

Details about the Community Toilet Scheme and businesses participating in the scheme are currently available on theCardiff Council website.