Grants for Community Toilets

Why Public Toilets Have Been Disappearing

The number of public toilets across the UK has been falling for decades. Local authorities have closed facilities steadily, and many that remain are in poor condition. This decline appears to have created real problems for older people, those with disabilities, parents with young children, and anyone who needs reliable access to a toilet when out and about.

Under the Public Health Act 1936, councils have the power to build and maintain public toilets. However, they are not required to do so. This distinction matters. When budgets tighten, services that are optional rather than mandatory tend to be cut first.

Public toilets are expensive to run. A traditional toilet block can cost well over £100,000 to install, depending on location and the availability of water, electricity and drainage. Annual cleaning and maintenance add thousands more each year. Automatic toilet units, while taking up less space, still carry significant purchase and upkeep costs. For councils facing pressure on multiple fronts, these figures make public toilets an easy target for savings.

Grant Eligibility Finder

Tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application.

Try our Grant Eligibility Finder free, here on this site →

What Are Community Toilet Schemes?

Community toilet schemes offer an alternative approach. Instead of building and maintaining dedicated public facilities, councils work with local businesses to open their toilets to the general public. Cafes, pubs, shops and other premises agree to let non-customers use their facilities during opening hours.

In return, the council usually pays the business a small annual fee. This covers the extra cleaning, supplies and wear that comes with increased use. The business displays a sign or sticker showing it is part of the scheme, so people know they can enter and use the toilet without needing to buy anything.

These schemes tend to be most effective in town centres and busy commercial areas with plenty of participating businesses. Coverage can be patchy in quieter locations or outside normal trading hours. The quality and accessibility of facilities also varies considerably from one premises to another.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Grants and Funding for Community Toilets

Funding for community toilet schemes depends heavily on the specific priorities of local councils and their budgets, which vary significantly across the UK. Some councils set aside money to pay participating businesses and promote the scheme locally, while others run grant programmes to encourage more businesses to take part. The criteria councils use to decide which businesses receive grants often include factors such as location, opening hours, and existing accessibility features.

Beyond council funding, there are other options worth exploring. The National Lottery Community Fund supports projects that benefit local communities, though not all projects will qualify and funding competition can be high. A toilet access scheme with clear community benefits could fit within their criteria. Charitable trusts focused on health, disability or community welfare may also consider applications that improve public access to toilets. Advocacy groups working on issues around ageing, disability and public health have also played a role in pushing for better toilet provision and may be able to offer guidance or support.

Businesses thinking of joining an existing community toilet scheme should contact their local council directly. The council will explain any payments available and what is expected in return. For community groups or parish councils wanting to set up a new scheme or improve existing public facilities, checking with the local authority is the sensible first step. They can advise on any grants currently available and point you towards other funding sources.

For general guidance on grants and funding for community projects, GOV.UK provides information on local government support and links to relevant programmes. The National Lottery Community Fund website has details of their funding streams and how to apply.

Practical Points to Consider

If you are a business owner thinking about joining a community toilet scheme, there are a few practical matters to weigh up. You will need to consider whether your premises can handle extra footfall, whether your toilets meet accessibility standards, and how you will manage any issues that arise. Most schemes require toilets to be available during your normal opening hours.

For community groups looking to improve toilet provision in their area, it helps to gather evidence of local need. This might include feedback from residents, information about existing facilities, and data on groups most affected by poor access. Providing a robust case with supporting evidence can enhance the chances of securing funding.

Accessibility remains a key consideration. While there has been a recent push towards better accessibility due to increased awareness and legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010, many business toilets still fall short of full accessibility for wheelchair users or people with other disabilities. Some councils offer additional funding or support for accessibility improvements as part of their community toilet schemes.

Community toilet schemes will not solve every problem left by the decline in traditional public toilets. They work best as part of a wider approach that may include maintaining some dedicated public facilities, improving signage, and ensuring accessible options are available. For many areas, though, they offer a practical and affordable way to improve toilet access for residents and visitors alike.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →