The Petition of Tracy Taplin, residents of Canvey Island and others,

Declares that the existing public facilities on Canvey Island are inadequate for the needs of those with small children, and notes that Castle Point Borough Council has a de facto duty to provide and maintain suitable public facilities, particularly in a busy shopping area, such as Canvey’s excellent shopping centre.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons entreats the Government to bring pressure to bear on Castle Point Borough Council to provide a baby changing unit at a suitable location in Canvey Island’s shopping centre.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Bob Spink, Official Report, 24 July 2007; Vol 463, c 809.] [P000046]

Observation from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:

The provision of public conveniences is at the discretion of local authorities. This is therefore a matter for Castle Point Borough Council.

The Department for Communities and Local Government does however recognise that the provision and upkeep of public conveniences is a service valued by many people.

The Department is therefore working with the British Toilet Association and others with a view to developing a strategy that will improve public access to toilets for all members of the public, including those with small children, but will not be introducing legislation to impose a duty on local authorities to provide and maintain public toilets.