Plans to introduce a 50p charge for using some public toilets across North Yorkshire are set to be considered by councillors later this month.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive will meet on April 21st to discuss proposals aimed at securing the long-term future of the county’s public convenience network, which is the largest in the UK with 93 sites.
The proposals include introducing a consistent entry fee of either 40p or 50p at appropriate locations, alongside a wider programme of upgrades and investment.
While the authority is not legally required to provide public toilets, it says they play an important role in supporting residents, visitors and local businesses, particularly in rural and tourist areas.
However, the introduction of charges is likely to prove contentious, especially as 65 of the county’s facilities are currently free to use.
Critics of such schemes elsewhere have previously raised concerns about accessibility and the impact on low-income users, although charging has become increasingly common among councils in England and Wales to help offset costs.
The report highlights that around 90 per cent of the service’s income currently comes from sites where fees have remained unchanged for almost 20 years, with rising maintenance costs placing increasing pressure on budgets.
Councillors will also be told that under-investment before local government reorganisation in 2023 has left the council with a patchwork of facilities, some of which are in poor condition and no longer fit for purpose.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing the environment, Cllr Richard Foster, whose responsibilities include public toilets, said:
“We have inherited a mixed and often ageing estate of public toilets, a number of which have fallen into poor condition after years of under-investment.
“A major improvement programme is required that would commit us to bringing these essential facilities up to a consistently high standard across the county.
“If agreed, once refurbished, we will seek to introduce charges to ensure they can be properly maintained, kept clean and remain open for residents and visitors long into the future.”
As well as potential charges, the proposals include committing funding to bring sites up to a good or excellent standard by 2030 and expanding Changing Places provision for people with profound disabilities, subject to external funding.
The council is also exploring alternative ways to support the service, including donations, sponsorship, advertising and partnerships with local communities.
Some underused or outdated sites could be closed, although any such moves would involve consultation.
Paying tribute to the cross-party group behind the proposals, he added:
“It’s a testament to the shared dedication across all political groups that, on an issue as sensitive as public toilet provision, members have come together with a common purpose.
“Improving these essential facilities is about access and support for every community in North Yorkshire. I’m grateful for the collaboration that’s allowed us to make real progress on something that truly matters to local people.”
Cllr David Staveley, who represents the Settle and Penyghent division and chairs the working group, said the focus had been on creating a sustainable service.
“Our priority is to make sure our public toilets are reliable, good quality and financially sustainable.
“People want modern facilities and a service they can depend on. The recommendations allow us to deliver the right facilities, in the right way, and within available funding.
“The group accepted that some poorly used or rundown sites may need to be disposed of but says the process should be open and involve local communities.
“We know how important public toilets are for residents, visitors and businesses. These proposals set out a sensible, long-term plan to protect and improve the service, so it remains fit for the future.”
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