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13
Apr
50p to pee: people to be charged to use public toilets in Harrogate district
People will be charged 40p to 50p to use public toilets in the Harrogate district, according to a new policy expected to be adopted next week.
Some public toilets are also expected to close as part of the proposed countywide changes by North Yorkshire Council.
The council, which is not legally obliged to provide toilets, expects to lose £260,000 providing the service in 2025/26.
North Yorkshire has the largest network of public toilets in the UK. Of the 93 toilets, 65 are free to use.
The Conservative-run council set up a cross-party public conveniences working group last year to find ways to develop the service.
Its report, which can be viewed here, has been published ahead of a meeting of the council’s ruling executive on Tuesday next week.
The report lists five principles, which are:
Key aspects of the report to be presented to members next Tuesday (April 21) include:
• Setting a consistent entry fee of either 40p or 50p per user across the county where appropriate.
• Identifying opportunities for financial support and seeking external funding to enhance and sustain the service.
• Exploring alternative funding streams, including honesty boxes, app-based donations, advertising, sponsorship, and community partnerships.
• Committing funds to upgrade and modernise sites by 2030.
• Continue and expand Changing Places provision for people with profound disabilities, with help from external funding.
Cllr Richard Foster, the council’s executive member for managing our environment, said:
We have inherited a mixed and often ageing estate of public toilets, a number of which have fallen into poor condition after years of under investment.
A major improvement programme is required that would commit us to bringing these essential facilities up to a consistently high standard across the county.
If agreed, once refurbished, we will seek to introduce charges to ensure they can be properly maintained, kept clean and remain open for residents and visitors long into the future.
Cllr David Staveley, who represents Settle and Penyghent division and chaired the working group, said:
Our priority is to make sure our public toilets are reliable, good quality and financially sustainable.
The group accepted that some poorly used or rundown sites may need to be disposed of but says the process should be open and involve local communities.
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