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Disability: Public Buildings

Asked by Damien EganLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 11 March 2026UIN 117465

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to improve recognition of non-visible disabilities, including stoma use, in the design of public facilities.

Answered by Samantha Dixon

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 70255 which was answered on 4 September 2025.

Government policies relating to Building Regulations and how the accessibility and use of buildings is reflected in design are made in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty. Changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M Volume 2) made in January 2021 make provision for facilities, including Changing Places toilets, in new buildings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) other than dwellings, that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to make accessibility a mainstream consideration in how public spaces are planned and built.

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