Elected members to debate consultation on the future of public toilets

Elected members at Teignbridge Council are to debate if the authority can consult on the future of public toilets in the district.

The council needs to save an extra £4.1 million by 2028 and members at the next Council meeting are to be asked for permission to ask for views on the matter.

Members aren’t being asked to close any toilets. If given the go ahead, a six week listening exercise would take place from October 30th, with all views being presented back to help make an informed decision. 

There are currently 30 public convenience facilities across Teignbridge. Many neighbouring councils already reduced, stopped or transferred facilities in a bid to save money to enable statutory council functions to continue.

The paper says: “Unfortunately many of our public conveniences are in a poor condition and require capital investment to bring them up to suitable standard. The maintenance backlog will require £318,000 capital investment in the next 4 years, with £270,000 of that funding required before 31 March 2027.

“The proposal is to consult with the public for a period of 6 weeks regarding the Council stopping the provision of public toilets. The results of the public consultation and any subsequent decision will be brought back to members for approval. We will seek to look at alternative means of continuing to provide public conveniences in areas if possible (e.g. where Town and Parish Councils may be able to continue to support the provision) and carry out an option appraisal of any public convenience sites where there may be alternative uses to generate income or support Councils strategic objectives (e.g. concession or use for housing)."