A pensioners’ group has hit out at Dundee City Council amid fears cuts to public toilet facilities could lead to an increase in social isolation.
Dundee’s Pensioners’ Forum backed Age Scotland’s calls for the local authority to reverse cuts made in the last five years and urged councillors to consider the wider impact closures will have on the public.
A Freedom of Information request from the charity revealed four facilities have been closed in Dundee in the past half-decade, while seven have been considered for closure during the same period.
The council has been urged to commit to halting closures and to secure funding for maintenance of existing facilities and investigate how to increase the number of toilets available to the public.
A report from Age Scotland showed the quality of life for elderly and disabled people – who would rely on the toilet provision for daily tasks – would be significantly reduced by preventing them from leaving home.
Dorothy McHugh, secretary of the city’s Pensioners’ Forum said the cuts would have a “worrying impact”.
She said: “We completely agree with Age Concern’s view that lack of public toilets will have a serious impact on the quality of life for older and disabled people.
“Many older and disabled people need the reassurance of easily accessible public toilets to allow them to get out and about – to function as normal members of their communities – and to enjoy a better quality of life.
“A reduction in these facilities will mean that many will be reluctant to leave the house – increasing the worrying trend of loneliness and isolation prevalent among older and disabled people in our communities.
“Closing essential public facilities such as toilets will only deepen that marginalisation. This is not what a caring community looks like.”
Dundee Pensioners’ Forum said it intends to discuss the decision with the council directly.
Age Scotland proposed that the council adopt alternative solutions, such as partnerships with local businesses, to increase service provision.
Research found 44% of older people would use public transport more if they could rely on the use of public toilets in towns and cities.
Dundee City Council confirmed it does not hold partnerships with local businesses to provide residents with facilities, and no consideration had been given to providing the initiative in the future.
A council spokesperson said: “The council’s budget will be set next year when various options regarding services will be discussed.”
