Brighton's Proposed 50p 'Toilet Tax' Sparks Outcry Over Accessibility Concerns
Proposed charges for using Brighton and Hove's busiest public toilets have been slammed by critics who argue the plan will disproportionately affect those in greatest need. A 50p fee could be levied at five seafront locations: Dalton's Bastion, the Colonnade, Shelter Hall, West Pier Arches in Brighton, and King's Esplanade in Hove.
Equality Impact Assessment Highlights Vulnerable Groups
The council's own equality impact assessment acknowledges the proposal may have a disproportionate impact on disabled people, children, older people, homeless individuals, and general accessibility. It states clearly: "The proposal will affect the community as a whole as well as visitors to Brighton and Hove – all potential public toilet users."
Youth Council member Jasmine Oquosa-Withers questioned the fairness of a flat rate, asking: "How was this flat rate justified for everyone as it will disproportionately affect people with protected characteristics, pregnancy, menopause, menstruation and any sort of medical reason for people to go to the toilet more?"
Older People's Council Campaigns Against Charges
Bernadette Kent, representing the Older People's Council, emphasized their active campaign to keep public toilets open. She challenged council leaders directly: "What are you doing? Look at what you're saying. You are actually preventing your own residents from being able to use the centre. Please think about it."
The proposed charge is expected to generate approximately £70,000 in revenue for Brighton and Hove City Council, though money would also need to be spent installing gates and payment systems.
Council Defends Limited Proposal
Labour deputy leader Jacob Taylor defended the plan, noting that since taking office in 2023, his administration has reopened and refurbished 13 public toilets. He explained: "There's a limited proposal that looks at the really high-volume city centre toilets that of course are accessed by residents but are also accessed by high volumes of visitors and tourists."
Councillor Taylor suggested the council could consider a residents' pass and agreed to explore support measures for older people and residents. He acknowledged: "So there is a potential to have a small charge to cover some of the costs on that which will incur some potential capital investment to be able to do the charging."
Financial Details Remain Unclear
At a recent Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, members were told that detailed cost and savings figures were currently unavailable, with the business case still incomplete. Miss Oquosa-Withers had specifically requested these details during the Hove Town Hall meeting.
Committee members were promised written updates and assured that all other council-operated toilets would remain free. If implemented, the council plans to publicize nearby free alternatives in libraries and encourage businesses to join community toilet schemes like "Use Our Loo."
Decision Timeline and Public Access
The matter is scheduled for decision at the annual budget council meeting beginning at 4:30 PM next Thursday (26 February) at Hove Town Hall. The meeting will be webcast for public viewing, ensuring transparency in this contentious debate about public facilities and accessibility.
