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Community Toilet Scheme Councils Businesses

The Hidden Flaws in the UK’s Community Toilet Scheme

The Community Toilet Scheme was meant to solve Britain’s public loo crisis — but poor visibility, minimal support, and weak promotion have left most people unaware it exists. While councils list venues online and hand out small stickers, few ever notice. Toiletly offers a smarter, modern alternative: free listings, clear signage, and in-app incentives that finally make the scheme work for everyone.

Emma Rodriguez

January 15, 2026 6 min read

Councils Budgets Accessibility

UK Council-run Public Toilets: A Decline and What It Means

Across the UK, hundreds of council-run public toilets have quietly vanished — victims of funding cuts, vandalism, and a lack of statutory protection. What began as a proud Victorian innovation is now an overlooked crisis of dignity and accessibility. From older people trapped by the “loo leash” to tourists avoiding town centres, Britain’s shrinking toilet network tells a wider story about how we value public space — and who it’s really for.