Why Public Toilets Matter
Having been in the public toilet industry since 2006 and serving as a Wiltshire councillor since 2007, I've seen significant changes in how we approach these essential facilities. Public toilets are far more than just places for relief — they serve several critical functions in our communities.
They support public spaces: when you're delivering a play area and all the other amenities that help the public enjoy your spaces, you need a public loo there. It's what residents expect and need. Good toilet provision can improve High Street foot traffic by 20–30%, and when you close public toilets, you get a strong downturn in footfall, particularly from elderly people.
Most importantly, these facilities let your residents understand that you care about them and their surroundings, making it easier for them to enjoy the things you've put in place at great expense.
The Declining State of Public Toilets
In the last 30 years, we've lost around 40% of public toilets across the UK. Some were simply wrongly sited or underused, but most closures come down to one thing: money.
Public toilets are a discretionary service, making them an easy target when district councils face budget pressures. With 70% of upper-tier council revenue going toward adult and children's social care for just 2–3% of the population, it's not surprising that public toilets often end up on the chopping block.
And here's where you come in. When districts go unitary, the first thing they typically get rid of is public toilets — and who do they give them to? That's right, parish and town councils like yours.
Key Considerations When Taking on Public Toilets
Financial Reality Check
For a medium-sized facility (5–6 cubicles in the ladies and 2–3 in the gents), you're looking at around £25,000 per year to maintain it properly. Cleaning typically runs about £15,000 of that, likely with two visits per day.
The rationale for this devolution is clear: parish and town councils can increase their precept as needed, while the upper tiers are limited to 5% increases. Simply put, they're passing the financial burden to you because you can raise the funds and they can't.
Negotiating Asset Transfer
When district or county councils come knocking, here's the advice:
- Insist on capital: Demand funding for necessary improvements before taking ownership
- Secure a good condition handover: Make sure the facilities are handed over in proper working order — don't accept a rundown building
- Obtain a long-term lease: If you're going to invest in the facility, you want that investment to pay back over time
- Understand current income: If the toilets already charge fees, know exactly what revenue you can expect to offset costs
Remember, you're doing them a favour by taking this on — negotiate from a position of strength.
Toilet Technology: What Works
The industry has changed significantly. There are now numerous options available to councils.
Pay-to-use systems: Charges now range from 20p up to £1 at some London facilities. While this can cause public consternation, it helps offset costs significantly.
Automatic opening/closing systems: For about £1,000 per door, you can install magnetic locks that open and close automatically at set times. This eliminates the expense of paying someone to physically unlock facilities each morning.
Self-contained units: Individual cubicles with integrated washing facilities are now standard in many areas. These sidestep gender identity issues entirely.
If you're considering a new installation, I'd recommend three directly accessible cubicles, one of which is DDA compliant, rather than separate men's and women's facilities. This runs about £150,000–£200,000 depending on installation complexity.
International Innovation
If you want to see toilet innovation at its finest, look to Japan. Their facilities can welcome you, lift the lid automatically, and offer various comfort features. There's even a wonderful film called "Perfect Days" about a toilet caretaker that I recommend watching.
The Japanese approach works because people generally follow the rules. Here in the UK, we face more behavioural challenges, which brings me to…
Security and Management Challenges
Public toilets can attract problems. However, there are practical ways to mitigate these issues.
Top Management Tips
- Location matters: An easy loo to run is a busy loo. Facilities in high-traffic areas have fewer problems
- Temporary closure protocol: A shut loo is better than a dirty loo. If you have an issue that can't be immediately addressed, close the facility rather than leave it in poor condition
- Security measures: High-frequency deterrent devices, playing background music (surprisingly effective at discouraging loitering), CCTV signage, and Wi-Fi doorbell cameras that can be monitored remotely
- Staffing solutions: Finding reliable cleaning staff at £13–17/hour can be challenging. Look for local individuals already cleaning nearby establishments — the most expensive part of cleaning is travel time between locations
Practical Tips for Council Clerks
Cleaning schedules: Clean facilities at the end of the day so they open clean each morning. This is more efficient than mid-day cleaning.
Storage matters: Always provide a storage area in your facility for cleaning supplies. You don't want staff carrying supplies back and forth, particularly if they walk or cycle to work.
Community partnerships: Consider establishing "community toilet schemes" with local businesses. Some shops and cafes will allow public access to their toilets in exchange for community recognition or small subsidies.
Collaborate regionally: Join forces with neighbouring parishes for inspections and maintenance. If you coordinate with nearby councils, you'll significantly reduce per-visit costs.
Creative waste management: For sanitary disposal, consider installing a public bin near the facility that can serve multiple purposes (including dog waste). This is often more cost-effective than specialised sanitary waste collection.
Looking to the Future
There is ongoing discussion at government level about a national toilet strategy, which could potentially include funding support. A Public Toilet Commissioner has been proposed who would oversee strategies and possibly compel local councils to maintain adequate provision.
There's a solid economic argument for this: public toilets on the High Street can improve retail traffic flow by 20–30%, boosting VAT receipts. It's not just about comfort — it's about creating vibrant, accessible town centres.
For those dealing with accessibility requirements, it's worth noting that the changing places grants (which provided £50,000 for enhanced accessible facilities) have ended, but there may be new funding opportunities on the horizon.
Closing Thoughts
Taking on public toilets isn't something most councils actively seek. But as these facilities continue to be devolved to parish and town level, it's important to approach the challenge strategically.
Remember the key phrases:
An easy loo to run is a busy loo. A shut loo is better than a dirty loo. Public toilets let your residents understand that you care about them and their environs.
With proper planning and the right approach, you can provide this essential service without it becoming a drain on your resources or a source of community complaints.
Watch the Full Fireside Chat
Want to hear more insights directly from Roger about public toilet provision and management? The complete fireside chat is now available below.
Public Toilet Q&A
There is a requirement to deliver a DDA-accessible facility. Accessibility means a much bigger space — you need to be able to turn a wheelchair around, and it needs a wider door. For that one improvement, it would probably cost around £50,000 depending on what needs to be done.
Several options work without internet: high-frequency deterrent devices that younger people can hear, playing background music to discourage loitering, and CCTV signage (even without actual cameras). You might also consider investing in connectivity — solutions like an EE box can provide Wi-Fi relatively easily for remote camera monitoring.
Self-cleaning units use a lot of water and are technically difficult to keep running. People can tamper with the cleaning cycle, and weight plates (used to prevent multiple people entering) can be circumvented. A standalone unit in good condition should cost £115,000–£150,000. Make sure the facility works with a RADAR key for accessibility.
Yes — simple magnetic lock systems can open and close automatically on a timer for about £1,000 per door. They include a disengage button inside so people can exit even when the facility is "closed." Clean the facility last thing at night, ensure no one is sleeping inside, then have it open automatically in the morning.
Budget for around £25,000 a year all-in for a medium-sized facility. Cleaning will run at about £15,000 of that. This is a ballpark figure and depends on how busy the facility is. If you can find a local cleaner already working nearby, you'll save significantly on travel costs.
Speak to neighbouring parish and town councils who might share a cleaner. Find somebody locally — perhaps someone already cleaning houses who could add this to their round. If there's a pub in the village that uses an outside cleaner, that person is already nearby. The most expensive part of cleaning is travel time between locations.
If you have a holding boiler that's keeping water below 55 degrees, then yes. But with a hand washing system where the water comes in cold with no holding tank, there's no Legionella requirement. If you do need testing, it only needs to be done once a year. A professional can advise based on your specific equipment.
A Note from John Fagan, Founder of Civic.ly
If your council is taking on public toilets due to devolution — or already managing them alongside play areas and other community facilities — Civic.ly can help you keep everything under control in one place.
With Civic.ly, you can:
- Track inspection schedules and cleaning for all your facilities
- Document compliance requirements including accessibility
- Manage costs and budgeting across all your assets
- Create custom reports for council meetings
- Use AI to automatically categorise assets from photos