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Public toilets consultation
Public toilets consultation
This consultation closes on Friday 3 October 2025.
We want to make sure our public toilet facilities operate in the best possible way for the future. To do this, we are reviewing the current public toilet facilities in Swale.
We currently operate 16 public toilet facilities across the borough.
We are proposing to:
- carry out formal negotiations to transfer seven public toilet facilities to town and parish councils, or other appropriate local organisations
- close three public toilets
- introduce a community toilet scheme in areas affected by the closures
- to continue to operate the remaining six toilets
These proposals intend to make savings that will help the council reach a balanced budget position.
Town and Parish Councils and some other appropriate local organisations are able to effectively keep public toilets open in their respective areas and respond to local demand. However, not all public toilet facilities are located within Town and Parish Council areas.
We will need to close three facilities out of a list of those that have low use and may have significant future refurbishment costs and ongoing maintenance.
The three public toilet facilities that we are proposing to close are from the following:
- Library Car Park, Sittingbourne - the cost per user is £0.82
- The Forum, Sittingbourne - the cost per user is £0.85
- Milton Regis High Street, Milton Regis - the cost per user is £2.77
- The Spinney, Leysdown - the cost per user is £3.60
- The White House, Minster - the cost per user is £4.52
Community Toilet Schemes intend to increase the availability of public toilets in the areas affected for residents and visitors by partnering with local businesses that will offer the public free use of their facilities during normal operating hours.
The survey is open to Swale residents, visitors, community groups and businesses. Everyone is encouraged to share their honest opinions. We are particularly interested in hearing from representative groups such as those with a disability, older, families with young children or pregnant.
We would rather keep all public toilet facilities open, but we can not afford to. Where we can work with interested bodies to provide public toilet facilities, we will do so.
Although there is not a legal duty to provide public toilets, we will try to balance the needs of the community with our aim of providing more efficient services.
We aim to provide facilities that are operated effectively and efficiently and that is why it is important that we review our services. The responses you provide will help us to make an informed decision.
Taking part
To have your say on the proposals, please complete our online survey.
Paper copies are available from Council offices in Swale House, Alexander Centre and the Sheppey Gateway.
You can also share your views at your local area committee. These take place on:
- Tuesday 2 September - Eastern Area Committee
- Tuesday 9 September - Western Area Committee
- Thursday 18 September - Sheppey Area Committee
- Thursday 25 September - Sittingbourne Area Committee
The consultation closes on Friday 3 October 2025 and the responses will be included in a report to councillors so they can make a decision about the future of the service.
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