In a bid to address safety, privacy, and dignity concerns, new legislation is set to bring forth requirements for single-sex toilet facilities in new non-domestic buildings. The move follows a consultation on the proposals, where a majority of respondents voiced their agreement with the intention to implement separate single-sex facilities and universal toilets where feasible.

According to the results, 81% of respondents supported the idea of separate single-sex toilet facilities, while 82% agreed with the provision of universal toilets where space permits. Universal toilets, defined as self-contained, fully enclosed facilities with a wash hand basin for individual use, aim to accommodate diverse needs efficiently.

The decision stems from concerns raised by various groups, including women, the elderly, and the disabled, who felt disadvantaged by the increasing conversion of publicly accessible toilets into gender-neutral facilities. Shared cubicles and hand-washing facilities in these spaces led to longer queues, reduced choice, and compromised privacy and dignity.

Under the new requirements, new non-domestic buildings such as restaurants, shopping centres, offices, and public toilets will be mandated to provide separate single-sex toilets for both men and women. Additionally, self-contained universal toilets may be incorporated where space permits or substituted for single-sex facilities in space-constrained scenarios.

Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, emphasised the importance of these regulations in ensuring privacy and dignity for all individuals, particularly addressing concerns related to women’s specific biological, health, and sanitary needs. Housing Minister Lee Rowley echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of appropriate toilet provision in serving the community effectively.

Furthermore, the Department for Education reiterated the importance of separate toilet facilities in schools, underscoring similar safeguarding considerations for colleges.

Key aspects of the legislation include:

– Provision of separate single-sex toilet facilities for men and women.

– Incorporation of self-contained, universal toilets alongside single-sex facilities where space allows.

– Consideration of self-contained universal toilets as alternatives to single-sex facilities in cases of space constraints.