A new Scottish Government Fund to create more Changing Places toilets across Scotland will launch later this year. If you are an organisation interested in applying to the Fund you can note your interest by clicking the button below.

Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund: Frequently Asked Questions

When will the fund open?

The Fund is expected to open in the summer of 2025. We are currently seeking views on the Fund design and do not have an exact launch date at present.

Who can apply to the Fund?

The Fund will be open to organisations to apply. Individuals will not be able to apply. Eligible organisation types are being determined and will be confirmed at the Fund launch.

What can I apply for?

You can apply to install a Changing Places toilet in or adjacent to an existing building, or to develop a new standalone Changing Places toilet.

The funding will work alongside the existing statutory requirements for Changing Places toilets in Scotland as outlined in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which mandates that certain new developments must include a Changing Places toilet. In addition, the building standards technical handbook 2019 for non-domestic buildings, clause 3.12.13, introduced guidance on the provision of CPTs in order to meet the requirement in the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. The fund will not cover any developments that are legislated for through these measures.

How much funding is available?

Up to £10 million will be available to fund Changing Places toilets over two financial years.

How much can I apply for?

The cost of installing a Changing Places Toilet is up to £60,000. We are seeking views on the maximum grant size for the Fund and this will be confirmed at the launch.

When is the funding to be used?

The funding period will be confirmed at the Fund launch.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline will be confirmed at the Fund launch.

Can we submit more than one application?

This will be confirmed at the Fund launch.

Where can I find out more about Changing Places toilets and technical guidance on installing one?

Further information on CPTs can be found here: https://www.changing-places.org/

How can I stay informed about the Fund development and launch date?

If you are interested in applying for funding, you can note interest via the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund Survey to receive information and updates.

About Changing Places toilets

How much does it cost to install a CPT?

The cost of installing a CPT is up to £60,000 including equipment, any necessary building/structural costs, planning and design, installation and testing.

What is the difference between an accessible toilet and a CPT?

Thousands of people with various disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets. They need additional carer support to have their personal care needs met. Standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person or larger powered wheelchairs. Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk and cannot be treated with dignity. Families or carers are also forced to risk their own health and safety by changing the person with disabilities without suitable equipment e.g. for lifting.

Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet a different set of needs. Each Changing Places toilet provides:

The right equipment:

a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
a ceiling tracking hoist system with full room coverage
a centrally placed (peninsular) toilet with room either side for the carers
a screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy

Enough space:

12sqm in size (3mx4m) to provide adequate space in the changing area for the user and up to two carers.

A safe and clean environment:

wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
a large waste bin for disposable pads
a non-slip floor

What does a CPT look like?

You can find images, case studies and example floor plans in The Changing Places Practical Guide publication (see also the Resources section of this webpage) and the Scottish Government’s Planning Guide. You can also visit the Changing Places toilet UK website.

Is there a map to find nearby CPTs?

There is a Changing Places toilet website with a map showing all the facilities across the UK: https://www.changing-places.org/find

Is there a legal requirement on the owners of publicly accessibly buildings to provide a CPT?

There are existing statutory requirements for certain types of new public buildings to include a Changing Places toilets in Scotland as outlined in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, The Town and Country Planning (Changing Places Toilet facilities)(Scotland) regulations 2020 and in Scottish Building Standards. The building standards technical handbook 2019 for non-domestic buildings, clause 3.12.13, introduced guidance on the provision of CPTs in order to meet the requirement in the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. The fund will not cover any developments that are legislated for through these measures. There is also a British Standards for Changing Places toilets: BS8300.

What support is available to help me plan and develop a new Changing Places toilet?

PAMIS have a free enquiry and support service to help guide anyone interested in installing a Changing Places toilet in Scotland. The email address for enquiries is [email protected]

You can also find helpful resources below including the Changing Places toilet Practical Guide which includes detailed chapters on planning and design, equipment and layout, management and maintenance. PAMIS can help with media and publicity around new Changing Places toilets and can register your new facility so it appears on the UK interactive map. PAMIS also offer comprehensive Changing Places toilet awareness training for frontline staff. We can connect you with other partners who have already built a Changing Places toilet.

There are a range of specialist Changing Places toilet suppliers who can also support with site visits and surveys, planning and drawings, equipment advice and quotations, installation, testing and commissioning and training. You can find a list of recommended suppliers in the Resources section below.

Resources

Changing Places toilets Scotland Annual Report 2024

Changing Places toilets – The Practical Guide

Scottish Government Changing Places toilets Planning Guide

Changing Places toilets Leading Suppliers

Changing Places toilets – Estimates of potential Users Research Report 2009

Changing Places toilets UK website

Changing Places toilets UK Map