Glasgow City Council 'committed' to improving public toilets in parks and public spaces

A Glasgow councillor has reaffirmed the city council’s commitment to improve the provision of public toilets across parks and public spaces over ten years.

During Thursday’s full council meeting questions were raised about plans to introduce the Public Toilet Strategy which looks to increase the number of facilities in the city while removing all charges.

As part of the strategy a dedicated visitor centre is also proposed. This would be located within the city centre and would include public toilets as well as changing places.

City Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets councillor Laura Doherty advised members that the council recognises that access to clean, safe and accessible public toilets is essential for health, wellbeing and personal dignity.

Councillor Doherty said: “In October 2023 the Council agreed to develop Glasgow’s first Public Toilet Strategy, shaped by the earlier petition on improving provision across parks and public spaces and informed by extensive public engagement.

“The Public Toilet Strategy 2025 to 2035 sets the strategic direction for the next decade. It is built around six themes: health and wellbeing, sustainability, inclusivity and equality, accessibility, safety and security and support for the local economy. Its development was supported by the British Toilets Association and a citywide public survey carried out in November 2024.

“Following the presentation of the Strategy to the ELN Committee in March 2025, officers have prioritised the procurement of a new contract to replace the current agreement with Healthmatic Ltd, which expires in April 2027. Lessons learned from the existing contract inform this work.

“Officers also continue to seek additional funding to support wider improvements.

“An additional project officer, funded through the recent budget, will now support delivery of the Strategy’s 21 actions, working with partners across the council family and external stakeholders.

“A fuller progress update will be brought to the ELN (Environment and Liveable Neighbourhoods) committee before the summer recess.”