PUBLIC TOILETS AND BUSINESS RATES

Early day motion 374, tabled 9 July 2013 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 16 members.

That this House recognises the importance of providing high-quality public toilet facilities, especially in areas popular with tourists and visitors; notes with concern that public toilets operated by town and parish councils are charged business rates, despite not being businesses; further notes that many councils are struggling to cover the cost of paying business rates for the public toilets for which they are responsible; and urges the Government to exclude the rating of public lavatories owned or operated by parish councils in order to ensure that the provision of these vital facilities remains financially viable.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, Labour 5, Conservative 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.