Baby-changing Facilities

Debate between Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate and Earl of Minto

Tuesday 6th June 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate]

To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they plan to oblige cafés, restaurants and other businesses serving food and drink to provide adequate baby-changing facilities.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade (The Earl of Minto) (Con)]

Although building regulations already require consideration to be given to baby-changing facilities at the design stage of non-dwellings, we need to also consider the impact that further obligations would have. Most hospitality businesses are SMEs, which may not have the resources, or indeed the space, to install suitable facilities.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

I much appreciate those remarks from my noble friend. However, as many parents and guardians of infants find it inconvenient, if not embarrassing, when in restaurants and other outlets serving food and drink where adequate baby-changing facilities are not available, will the Government now consider amending Section 20 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to add a requirement for such facilities, wherever practicable, to those already covering the provision and maintenance of toilet facilities?

[The Earl of Minto (Con)]

My Lords, I think we can all agree that the principle of free access to baby-changing facilities in as many different hospitality situations as we can reach is desirable. Under the existing building regulations there is already a requirement for new non- residential properties to consider this, as well as for buildings which are undergoing substantial reconstruction.