Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what discussions she has held with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the Government's response to the technical consultation on toilets; and what assessment she has made with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the potential merits of launching a consultation on the provision of incontinence bins in male toilets.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is carrying out a public consultation seeking views on toilet provision for men and women in buildings other than dwellings. The consultation will help us work towards policy goals covering amendments to building regulations and guidance, to ensure separate toilets for men and women continue to be provided; encouraging the provision of unisex toilets, where space allows; and making sure that where unisex toilets are provided, that privacy is ensured. The consultation is open now and closes on 8 October 2023. The consultation proposal recommends that toilet cubicles or rooms containing toilets should provide space for a sanitary disposal bin.

I am supportive of this work and the Equality Hub continues to liaise with DLUHC on such issues.