APSE Local Authority Public Conveniences Provision Survey 2025

About the provision

APSE is undertaking research into local authority public conveniences provision.

There are a range of questions that will enable a snapshot to be gained of the provision that local authorities are providing in the UK.

In order to aid this research we would be most grateful if you could spare around 15 minutes to complete the following survey.

If you are unable to respond to all of the questions, please consult a colleague or forward a copy of the survey link.

All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence.

2.Does your council provide and maintain permanent public conveniences?(Required.)

Yes

4.What type of permanent provision does your authority provide?

Separate male and female provision

Unisex / gender neutral provision

Separate baby changing facilities

Baby changing facilities in the male provision

Baby changing facilities in the female provision

Not sure

Other (please specify)

5.Do you provide temporary toilets?

Yes

Occasionally

Please expand on when you provide temporary toilets and why

6.How is the provision maintained and cleaned?

All facilities are cleaned and maintained by the council e.g. inhouse team

All facilities are cleaned by the council e.g. in-house team

All facilities are maintained by the council e.g. in-house team

The cleaning and maintenance for facilities is contracted out

The cleaning for facilities is contracted out

The maintenance of facilities is contracted out

Not sure

Other (please specify)

7.How has the overall level of provision provided by the council changed in the last 5 years?(Required.)

Other (please specify)

8.Is your authority reviewing or planning to review the provision provided?

Currently reviewing

Plan to review in the next 12 - 24 months

No plans to review

Not sure

Other (please specify)

9.What are the main drivers for reviewing the provision?

Other (please specify)

10.If the council has ceased providing public toilets, when did this occur?

12.Has the council developed alternative arrangements for public toilet provision?

Please provide details as appropriate

13.What are the greatest challenges in providing public toilet facilities?

Budgetary pressures

Too much demand for the provision

Too little demand for provision

Recruiting and retaining toilet attendants

Cost of cleaning facilities

Cost of maintaining the facilities

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour in or around facilities

Other (please specify)

14.What was the average cost to the council for repairing damage / cleaning up after vandalism for the last financial year i.e. 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025

15.What measures has the council put in place to mitigate the impact from vandalism / anti-social behaviour?

Put in place an attendant

Worked with community / voluntary group

Closed provision for times the provision is most likely to be vandalised / attract anti-social behaviour

Chare for the provision/ put in place a barrier

Worked with the local police

Installed CCTV / security measures

Other (please specify)