ALT The London Loo Alliance are seriously concerned that there has been insufficient consideration about the importance of public toilet provision in the drafting of the updated London Plan. Whilst public toilets are referred to in three policies (Healthy Streets and the Public Realm, the Nighttime Economy, and Visitor Infrastructure), there is very little detail. Provision of public toilets is too important to inclusive, healthy and strong communities to be an afterthought. The 2021 update of the London Plan had a full policy on public toilets, Policy S6. This was not a perfect policy but there was substance. We had hoped that the refreshed Plan would build on this, instead a backwards step has been made. This is a missed opportunity at a time when there is growing awareness about the importance of public toilet provision. We are calling for Policy S6 to be reinstated, and for greater consideration of public toilet provision across all policies.

ALT Text reads, Continued) Public toilet provision matters for so many different reasons. Without good provision, London will not be the inclusive and welcoming city we all want to it to be. Poor-quality public toilet provision impacts all Londoners but disproportionately affects older and disabled people, those with health conditions, pregnant women, itinerant workers, such as delivery drivers, families with young children and many more. This is about inclusion, public health, the right to a dignity at work and much more. Poor provision means many Londoners are not free to access London’s public spaces because of fears about the lack of accessible toilets. Good quality public toilet provision can improve quality of life for many people. It is good for local economies (encouraging footfall and dwell time) and it is good for people.