Government launches technical review into the provision of single sex toilets

Following a rise in the conversion of men's and women's toilets to gender neutral in recent years, the UK government has launched an open consultation to decide on the proper provision of gender-specific toilets in public spaces. 

The review aims to address the disappearance of single sex toilets by considering the ratio of female to male toilets, given the need for women to always use cubicles in an appropriate and safe space. Signage will also be considered.

It aims to take into account the needs of all members of the community, including older people and those with young children, to ensure there is a fair provision of accessible and gender-neutral toilets.

The review states: "The government wants to ensure dignity and respect for all. The Equality Act provides that sex, age, disability and gender reassignment are protected characteristics. This does not mean that gender-specific toilets should be replaced with gender-neutral toilets. But there should be balanced consideration of how the needs of all those with protected characteristics should be considered, based on the mix of the population and customer demand."

Further information

Visit the review page for further details and to submit your opinion (the consultation closes on 29 January 2021).

LABC members - view our consultations page for news on other calls for evidence (members page that requires login.)