Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that money saved by local authorities is spent on improving (1) the standard, and (2) the availability, of public lavatories should the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill be passed by Parliament.
The Government recognises the importance of public lavatories. The Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill would provide a 100% business rates relief to properties that consist wholly or mainly of public lavatories. This would reduce running costs and help keep these valuable public amenities open. The Government recognises that local authorities are best placed to make decisions on spending based on local needs and priorities and has a long-standing policy of not ring-fencing funding.