The provision of public toilets across the UK could be seriously improved on the future after the UK Government has decided to cut business rates for these conveniences, a recent news report in the local media has been able to suggest.
Under the new rules, owners of washroom facilities will no longer be required to pay business rates. This will apply to all standalone facilities for public use whether these are publicly or privately owned.
Public toilets have traditionally been liable for business rates in the same way as other non-domestic premises such as shops and offices. Local authorities are not legally required to provide toilets, and as a result such facilities are often closed down by councils when keen to cut costs.
Public toilet provision in the UK has been declining for a number of years. The British Toilet Association estimates that 40 per cent of public washrooms have disappeared in the past decade. UK councils stopped maintaining around 13 per cent of all public toilets between 2010 and 2018 and there are believed to be 37 areas across the UK where there are no council-run washroom facilities whatsoever.
Charging a fee for access is quite often the most sensible solution when it comes to public toilets’ funding – and indeed keeping these facilities open for the general public, and this is exactly where Toilet Turnstiles could really put its experience to good work.
Our toilet turnstiles are built from graded stainless steel, for easier cleaning and maintenance, and also come equipped with lockable lids to prevent unwanted access. Furthermore, the separate coin box offers very versatile mounting options, as it can be installed either in front of the turnstile, at the side or alternatively, on the wall, with the cash box at the rear.
The turnstile’s coin mechanism can be programmed for virtually any combination of coins with a secure cash box to hold them, while the additional counters for the number of entries made will enable a thorough level of control over the system’s operation.
If you need some additional information regarding our extensive range of products, just get in touch, we’ll be sure to answer any and all of your queries.