Whitehall targets force public toilet closures - Cable

Commenting on assurances given today at ODPM Questions, by Local Government Minister Phil Woolas MP, that the Government was engaged in discussions with the British Toilet Association to stem the declining number of public toilets, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable said:

"These nationwide public toilet closures are a symptom of Whitehall targets gone mad.

"Whitehall is imposing too many targets and too many obligations on local government.

"The result is that local authorities cut down on public toilets, one of the few areas where they retain freedom of choice.

"Public toilet closures directly disadvantage the elderly and disabled in our communities.

"Minister Woolas must ensure he saves this vital public resource by ending Whitehall's target-fever."