Board of Commissioners 09/01/2012

AGENDA ITEM NO. [Not for publication by virtue of Paragraph(s) …… of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972] ISLE OF ANGLESEY COUNTY COUNCIL Report to Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

Date 9th January, 2012 Subject Report of the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee’s Scrutiny Review Panel into the Future Public Toilet Provision on Anglesey Portfolio Holder(s) Commissioner Alex Aldridge Cllr. John Chorlton Lead Officer(s) Cllr. Keith Evans

Contact Officer Gareth Bayley-Hughes (Scrutiny Link and Support Officer) Nature and reason for reporting

Final report together with the recommendations of the Enviornment and Technical Services Scrutiny Review Panel’s review of the Authority’s public toilet provision carried out in order to meet the target set under the Affordable Priorities Programme to achieve a £30,000 per annum revenue saving from the public toilet budget.

A – Introduction / Background / Issues The provision of public toilets is one of the oldest municipal functions still in existence today; however, we must remember that there is no statutory duty on the local authority to provide this service. The Isle of Anglesey County Council maintains a large stock of public toilets (35 in total) at a significant annual cost of approximately £340,000

Using the Affordable Priorities Programme has allowed the Authority to identify a number of savings over the three year period 2011-2014. One of the areas where savings could potentially be made was identified as the Authority’s provision of public toilets on the island; with a saving of £30,000 earmarked for 2012/13.

Following an agenda item relating to the future of public toilet provision on Anglesey during their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee agreed to convene a Scrutiny Review Panel to carry out an in-depth investigation into the options available to the Authority in meeting its set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget whilst not CC-015195-RMJ/119742 Page 1 of 7

having a detrimental effect on the lives of the public.

Although a sensitive subject and one that is bound to cause a stir amongst the public were any decision to be made to close some toilet blocks it is a task which has been set under the Authority’s Affordable Priorities Programme and must be addressed accordingly.

By using the combined knowledge of the Panel and its contributors it has been possible to make a set of recommendations that will identify potential total annual savings of circa £60,381.03 whilst also providing recommendations on other available options open to the authority

Presented today is the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel together with its recommendations.

B - Considerations The aims of the Scrutiny Review Panel were to assist the Waste Management Section conduct a review of the current public toilet provision in order to attempt to meet the set target of an annual £30,000 saving from the public toilet budget. The Panel also aimed to identify whether there may be too much provision in certain areas and whether the service provided is fit for purpose.

The public toilet revenue budget has historically always been significantly overspent (the over spend in 2010/11 was approximately £49,000). One reason cited for this being that the budget allocated per annum has never been sufficient to deal with the level of service provided. Historically the Waste Management Section has dealt with this significant overspend by using any identified under spend from other budget headings under its control; but now these other budget headings are also under threat due to the forced cuts having to be made throughout the Authority. The Service is currently discussing options with the Finance Department to deal with this historical imbalance.

In 2010 it was agreed that a general condition survey should be conducted on the Authority’s public toilet stock. The condition survey considered several elements of the current public toilet infrastructure including a review of each building’s overall structure, any mechanical installations and the electrical systems present (if applicable). Each public toilet was given an overall rating following the survey of either: A - good, B – satisfactory, C – Poor or D – Bad. The majority of public toilets reached a grade B standard (satisfactory). The overall results of the condition survey

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are shown in Appendix 1 of the attached report.

The final condition survey report listed the estimated costs of the works required at each public toilet to bring them up to an acceptable standard whilst also suggesting a priority order for the works to take place. The total additional expenditure required to be spent on the Authority’s public toilet stock over the 5 year period 2011-2015 amount to circa £135,000.

During September, 2011 it was disclosed to the Waste Management Section that the cleaning contractor, Eminent Environment, had gone into voluntary liquidation. With this in mind, the Panel were informed that there is a strong possibility that the cost of the cleaning contract will increase during the required tendering process.

C – Implications and Impacts 1 Finance / Section 151 The results of the scrutiny review should be fed back into the ongoing budget process. The Finance Service will need the opportunity to validate the figures in the normal way and to examine management proposals for the virement of budgets in this area 2 Legal / Monitoring Officer No comments to make

3 Human Resources Not applicable

4 Property Services Disposal of surplus property should (see notes – separate follow the guidelines contained within the document) Council’s approved Asset Management Policy and Procedures. 5 Information and Communications Not applicable Technology (ICT)

6 Equality In accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (see notes – separate the Panel conducted and Equality Impact document) Assessment culminating in a number of

‘protected groups’ being identified which may be effected by the recommendations made within the report.

Following this a consultation exercise was undertaken with the identified

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C – Implications and Impacts groups (detail within the report) 7 Anti-poverty and Social As above (see notes – separate document) 8 Communication Regular liaison with the Communications (see notes – separate Unit as and when requests were received document) from the press/media with a staple response drafted.

No implication to the Council’s Communication Strategy 9 Consultation Report has been circulated to: (see notes – separate Corporate Director (Environment and document) Technical Services); Head of Service (Highways); Head of Service (Property); Head of Service (Economic Development); Policy and Strategy Manager; Chief Waste Management Officer; Interim Chief Waste Management Officer; Waste Management Officers; Section 151 Officer; Monitoring Officer;

Consultation undertaken with all protected groups identified as potentially being effected upon through the Equality Impact Assessment (details within the report). In addition, consultation was also undertaken with young people to gauge their views. 10 Economic The report needs to make note of the forthcoming DMP (management process for the destination) as public conveniences are one of the biggest areas of concern. How does this fit in to that process? Are we jumping the gun here as no mention is made in the report of this? How can we manage the destination approach if other areas of the Authority are reducing service provision?

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C – Implications and Impacts This will need careful management and consultation/marketing to ensure everyone knows what the policy and areas are

If we are relying on the community toilet grant scheme, then we need to spend revenue on PR and publicising these. Not just on websitem, as visitor cannot find this information, and you invariably don't have a laptop to hand when walking / limited mobile coverage

- Cemaes - Will this have an impact on potential new nuclear build, increase of visitors and construction workers within the town - long term vision? · Newborough - How is this working with Forestry commission plans and developments of Llys Rhosyr and Llanddwyn - / Cadw HTP · Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); - Need to consult with Coastal project (Simon Philips) As believe they are installing a new yacht station here, and facilities may be needed/scope here 11 Environmental Not applicable (see notes – separate document)

12 Crime and Disorder Not applicable (see notes – separate document)

13 Outcome Agreements Not applicable

CH - Summary Following an agenda item relating to the future of public toilet provision on Anglesey during their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical

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Services Scrutiny Committee agreed to convene a Scrutiny Review Panel to carry out an in-depth investigation into the options available to the Authority in meeting its set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget whilst not having a detrimental effect on the lives of the public.

The Panel aimed to assist with the process of conducting an evaluation of the current level of provision ensuring that they were fit for purpose and located at the necessary locations. Indeed, the investigation aimed to identify whether too much provision is currently being provided in certain locations.

It is apparent that the provision of public toilets is one that can cause anxiety to a proportion of the public i.e. the elderly, the disabled etc. With this in mind the Panel needed to review all available evidence of current usage of the public toilets, cross referencing it against other locally available provision. Although a sensitive subject and one that is bound to cause a stir amongst the public were any decision to be made to close some toilet blocks it is a task which has been set under the Authority’s Affordable Priorities Programme and must be addressed accordingly.

Each individual toilet block seemingly has its own individual characteristics. In order for sound, robust recommendations to be made, relevant information including details of location, annual running costs, levels of usage, crime date etc. are required. Taking everything into account it is then possible to draw up a shortlist of toilet blocks which are open to a number of alternative options. This report in turn aims to identify and highlight these options as a way of streamlining the provision whilst not having a detrimental effect on people’s lives.

D - Recommendation

Numerous options have been provided for the Commissioners’ consideration; the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee request that the options are considered in light of the evidence provided and a decision made assisting the Waste Management Section in achieving its target of £30,000 savings.

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Name of author of report – Gareth Bayley-Hughes Job Title – Scrutiny Link and Support Officer for Education and Leisure Date – 6th December, 2011

Appendices:

Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee Final Report: Review into the Future Public Toilet Provision on Anglesey

Background papers

None

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SCRUTINY

FUTURE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TOILETS ON ANGLESEY

FINAL REPORT

Of the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee

DECEMBER 2011

CONTENTS

Foreword from the Chairman Page 2

Executive Summary Page 3

Introduction Page 4

Scrutiny Review Panel Page 9

Current Expenditure Page 12

Public Toilet Condition Survey Page 14

Community Toilet Grant Scheme Page 16

Scoring Criteria Page 17

Shortlist Page 19

Available Options Page 24

Cleaning Contract Page 27

Consultation Page 28

Summary Conclusions Page 32

Recommendations Page 35

Foreword from the Chair of the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee (May 2011 – May 2012)

Chair of Scrutiny Review Panel (Cllr Keith Evans)

The provision of public toilets is one of the oldest municipal functions still in existence today; however, we must remember that there is no statutory duty on the local authority to provide this service. The Isle of Anglesey County Council maintains a large stock of public toilets at a significant annual cost of approximately £340,000.

Unfortunately we currently find ourselves living in times of austerity with a bleak financial outlook in the immediate future. Sustaining non-statutory duties therefore places a heavy burden on the authority and with significant savings having to be found year on year it was no surprise that the provision of public conveniences came up for review. As Chair of the Environment and Scrutiny Committee I am committed to ensuring that sound decisions are made taking all factors into consideration i.e. strategic decisions, financial obligations etc. Before any major decisions are made, I, as Chair of the Committee need to be 100% sure that all options have been investigated thoroughly. As a representative of the public I am keen that the best use is made of any public funding.

Anglesey County Council is not the first local authority to review its provision of public conveniences and I‟m sure it won‟t be the last; however, as an island that relies heavily on tourism it is vital that the correct decisions are made for the right reasons. Indeed, in order for the provision to impact on tourism the standard of facilities on offer needs to be of a certain expected level. Public toilets that are badly designed, badly maintained, and poorly located generate a sense of neglect, attracting vandalism, anti-social behaviour and social disorder. These issues, if not tackled effectively, can generate a cycle of decline, leading to more entrenched social problems, and seriously impairing the quality of life for local people.

This report has been prepared by the Environment and Scrutiny Committee but could not have been written without the assistance of the dedicated officers within the authority‟s Waste Management Section. I would like to extend my thanks to them for their assistance and dedication in evaluating all possible options in order that little disruption is made to the lives of people who live in, work on and visit the isle of Anglesey.

1. Executive Summary

1.1 Following an agenda item relating to the future of public toilet provision on Anglesey during their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee agreed to convene a Scrutiny Review Panel to carry out an in-depth investigation into the options available to the Authority in meeting its set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget whilst not having a detrimental effect on the lives of the public.

1.2 The Panel aimed to assist with the process of conducting an evaluation of the current level of provision ensuring that they were fit for purpose and located at the necessary locations. Indeed, the investigation aimed to identify whether too much provision is currently being provided in certain locations.

1.3 It is apparent that the provision of public toilets is one that can cause anxiety to a proportion of the public i.e. the elderly, the disabled etc. With this in mind the Panel needed to review all available evidence of current usage of the public toilets, cross referencing it against other locally available provision. Although a sensitive subject and one that is bound to cause a stir amongst the public were any decision to be made to close some toilet blocks it is a task which has been set under the Authority‟s Affordable Priorities Programme and must be addressed accordingly.

1.4 Each individual toilet block seemingly has its own individual characteristics. In order for sound, robust recommendations to be made, relevant information including details of location, annual running costs, levels of usage, crime date etc. are required. Taking everything into account it is then possible to draw up a shortlist of toilet blocks which are open to a number of alternative options. This report in turn aims to identify and highlight these options as a way of streamlining the provision whilst not having a detrimental effect on people‟s lives.

1.5 By using the combined knowledge of the Panel and its contributors it has been possible to make a set of recommendations that will identify potential total annual savings of circa £60,381.03 whilst also providing recommendations on other available options open to the authority.

2. Introduction

2.1 The ancient world

2.1.1 Toilets go back a long way - the oldest working toilet with 'flushing' water is said to be in the castle of Knossos, Crete and is thought to be 4,000 years old. There is evidence of sewage systems and toilets in India dating from 2,500 BC, and also in China from around 206BC and 24AD. Most of the great cities of the ancient world had public toilets, but although used by travellers they mainly provided communal facilities because there were few private ones.

2.1.2 The Romans were especially keen on public conveniences; the Emperor Vespasian built street urinals (in 315 AD there were said to be 144 public conveniences in Rome alone) and the urine was collected and sold to cloth dyers. Like so many other elements of Roman life, public toilets were discontinued when the empire declined.

2.1.3 After the Romans left, facilities ranged from non-existent to dung heaps. Writers often complained of the state of streets and buildings in which there could be urine and waste everywhere. Leonardo Da Vinci suggested that public buildings should always have spiral staircases to make it harder to use them as toilets. In 1358 there were said to be only four public latrines in the whole of London with the one situated on London Bridge being emptied straight into the river Thames.

2.2 The Victorians

2.2.1 It was only in Victorian times that public toilets appeared in any large numbers. Following the publication of Edwin Chadwick‟s sanitary report „The Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population’ in 1842 Parliament passed the Public Health Act of 1848 which called for Public Necessaries to be provided to improve sanitation.

2.2.2 The invention of the water closet led to the first major attempts to install public toilets in the 15th and 16th Centuries with flush toilets invented around 1820 by Albert Giblin in Britain. The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851 had toilets for visitors. These were installed by George Jennings, a plumber from Brighton who felt strongly that there should be decent public facilities. To offset the cost of installation, visitors were charged 1d for using the toilets, with 827,280 agreeing to do so - this gave a net profit of £1,790 in only 23 weeks.

2.2.3 The first public on-street convenience was a "gents" at 95 Fleet Street, London, next to the Society of Art and was opened on 2nd February 1852. Another, for "ladies", was opened 9 days later on 11th February 1852 at 51 Bedford Street, Strand, London. The two main people who brought about the scheme were Sir Samuel Morton Peto, a building contractor who had been responsible for erecting Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, and Sir Henry Cole, one of the principal promoters of the Great Exhibition. As well as being a public service they thought the new facilities would be profitable. These "Public Waiting Rooms" had water closets in wooden surrounds. The charge was 2d entrance fee and extra for washing or clothes brushes. They advertised the facilities in The Times and distributed handbills. But unfortunately they had very few users and they were abandoned.

2.2.4 William Haywood (1821-1894), City of London Corporation Engineer, started the first municipal public toilets and the first underground public toilets in 1855. These were outside the Royal Exchange. The contractors were George Jennings of Brighton. These toilets charged 1d, a price which remained standard for nearly all public conveniences until decimal currency was introduced in 1971.

2.2.5 At first he found it hard to convince authorities to adopt them. It was thought a topic which should not be mentioned. But 1895 found his public conveniences in 36 British towns as well as cities around the world. The urinals were made of slate, and most of his public conveniences were built underground, marked by railings above.

2.2.6 The great architects and engineers of the Victorian and Edwardian period were encouraged by local authorities to construct public conveniences of high standard. When they were constructed above ground great importance was given to their appearance. Civic pride demanded that these were impressive and used materials like copper, marble, ceramics and decorative tiles.

2.2.7 Nearly all public conveniences were for men with few provided for women. The logic was that far more men were away from home than women, either for work or leisure. Urinals were also cheaper to construct. The socialist writer George Bernard Shaw campaigned for facilities for women, but he was battling against the feeling that it was not decent to have public toilets for women.

2.3 The late 20th century

2.3.1 In the post-war building boom local authorities built new conveniences, often demolishing the grand, but high maintenance, Victorian buildings. The new toilet blocks were built from modern materials which, though fashionable, were to have a lot of problems in future years. The drab finishes lent themselves to graffiti, and the privacy of public toilets made them a prime target for vandalism.

2.3.2 Public Authorities have the power to install public toilets but there is no duty to do so. In a climate of reducing budgets and increasing costs, many Authorities are faced with the prospect of having to reduce their „non-essential‟ spending. This has meant that many areas have reviewed their provision of non obligation services with a number deciding to close some if not all of their public toilets.

2.4 Affordable Priorities Programme

2.4.1 Wales, indeed the UK as a whole is in the midst of financially trying times which has had a major effect on the budget of Local Authorities throughout the land. This is no different for the Isle of Anglesey County Council with the Authority being asked to find a saving of some £11million over the three years from 2011/12 onwards with £4million aimed to be saved during the first year. The Council, like other large organisations, needs to embrace change to meet future challenges and provide high quality services in the future.

2.4.2 In order to meet this financial challenge the Authority aims to focus on greater efficiencies. To compound the situation, the Anglesey economy has the lowest Gross Value Added in the UK, which puts extra pressure on Services.

2.4.3 In order to address the situation and work within these challenging and changing times, the Authority has agreed to adopt a more strategic approach to managing our budget. This means looking at savings over a period of 3 years.

2.4.4 The Medium Term Revenue Budget Strategy provides a framework for dealing with these necessary cuts and was developed with the in line with the following objectives:

• Supporting the Council‟s strategic priorities

• Addressing the issues raised by the Corporate Governance Inspection

• Meeting the challenges facing public finances

• Achieving these targets without compromising the Council‟s financial standing

• Delivering businesslike and affordable services

2.4.5 The Authority‟s principal means of meeting this budget gap of £11million is the „Affordable Priorities Programme‟ which is a series of projects designed to achieve these savings that have been grouped under the headings of:

• Efficiency • Partnership • Concentration • Modernise • Reduce

2.4.6 Using the Affordable Priorities Programme has allowed the Authority to identify a number of savings over the three year period 2011-2014. One of the areas where savings could potentially be made was identified as the Authority‟s provision of public toilets on the island; with a saving of £30,000 earmarked for 2012/13.

2.5 Present status

2.5.1 The Isle of Anglesey is an island of just over 700 square kilometres, and comprises a mostly rural landscape. Its 200km coastline includes a wide variety of sandy beaches and rocky coves that attract a significant tourism industry in the summer months. The A55 forms one of two crossings that connects our island with mainland Wales, and enables passengers and freight to travel rapidly to and from the port of Holyhead.

2.5.2 Based on the latest estimate (2009), the population of Anglesey is about 69,000. There are five main towns, the largest of which by far is Holyhead, with a population of about 13,500. Anglesey is more sparsely populated than most local authorities in Wales, but all its towns and villages are easily accessible within half an hour or less from the Council‟s administrative office in Llangefni.

2.5.3 The Isle of Anglesey County Council‟s Waste Management Section currently manages 35 public toilets around the island:

Aberffraw (Llys Llewelyn); Amlwch, Lôn Goch; Beaumaris – Archway and School Lane/Castle; Benllech – Square and Wendon Beach; Brynsiencyn; Bull Bay; Cemaes - High Street and Beach Car Park; Church Bay; Holyhead – Breakwater Park, Penrhos Nature Reserve, Swift Square, South Stack, Newry Beach and Penrhos Beach; Llanddona; Llaneilian; Llanfairpwll; Llangefni; Llanerch-y-medd; Menai Bridge – Library/Wood Street, Bowling Green/Beach Road and the Pier/St Georges; Moelfre; Newborough; Porth Nobla; Porthdafarch; Red Wharf Bay; Rhoscolyn; Rhosneigr; Traeth Bychan; Trearddur Bay; Valley

2.5.4 Of these 35 public toilets, 15 are open all year round with 20 opening on a seasonal basis to cope with additional demand from the tourist industry. Maintaining this provision costs the Authority circa £339,000 per annum (see 4.1 for a full breakdown)

2.5.5 The majority of public toilets are located close to the coastline of the Island; this being an important part of service provision to tourists that visit the Island, especially near the busier amenity beaches.

2.5.6 Due to their location several public toilets are not on the public sewer system and therefore have septic tanks that have to be serviced continuously. The majority of public toilets do have facilities for the disabled using the „Radar‟ key system. It

should also be noted that the majority of public toilets do not have electricity and therefore it is not possible to have hot water or basic lighting at these sites.

3. Scrutiny Review Panel

3.1 In their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee had scheduled an item on the agenda to receive a report from the Chief Waste Management Officer in relation to the future proposals regarding public conveniences on the island.

3.2 The Chair put it to the Committee that the issue is one of great concern to many elected Members and their constituents and suggested the establishment of a Scrutiny Review Panel to investigate the matter in further detail. The Committee Members agreed with the suggestion and membership to the Scrutiny Review Panel was confirmed as the following:

Cllr Keith Evans; Cllr Richard L Owen; Cllr Eric Roberts; Cllr William T Hughes; Cllr Raymond Jones

With additional support from:

Gareth Bayley-Hughes – Scrutiny Link and Support Officer for Environment and Technical Services;

3.3 Due to the cross cutting theme of the topic being investigated, when conducting its review the Scrutiny Review Panel invited the Chair and Vice Chair of the Economic Development, Tourism and Property Scrutiny Committee; Councillors J V Owen and Elwyn Schofield, to attend the Panel.

3.4 Whilst conducting its review the Panel interviewed the following witnesses during its investigation:

Corporate Director for Environment and Technical Services; Head of Service – Highways; Head of Service – Property; Chief Waste Management Officer; Acting Chief Waste Management Officer; Senior Waste Management Officer;

Finance Officer (Waste Management); Senior Solicitor, Isle of Anglesey County Council Senior Valuation Officer; Policy and Strategy Manager

3.5 In conducting its investigation and formulating this report together with its recommendation the Panel researched the following documents:

Affordable Priorities Programme – Isle of Anglesey County Council (2010/11); Consultation paper – Affordable Priorities Programme and savings projects – Community Toilets, Isle of Anglesey County Council; Corporate Business Plan 2011/12, Isle of Anglesey County Council; A Code of Practice for Public Toilets in Britain - Dr. Clara Greed, University of the West of England, Faculty of the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning, Bristol, United Kingdom; The Age Manifesto for the National Assembly – Public Toilets (Feb 2011) Age Cymru; 1936 Public Health Act; 2008 Sex Discrimination (amendment to regulation); 1963 Public Lavatories Turnstiles Act; 2008 Government publish Improving Public Access to Better Quality Toilets – A Strategic Guide Government Paper on the Provision of Public Toilets (October 2008) – House of Commons; 1995 Disabled Discrimination Act; Public Conveniences Policy, Isle of Anglesey County Council; Review of Public Conveniences in Carmarthenshire – Environment Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group 2009/10, Carmarthenshire County Council; Government Paper on Public Conveniences (May 2010), House of Commons; Review the Provision of Public Toilets, (Sept. 2008), Cyngor Gwynedd

3.6 During its research the Panel viewed numerous websites to collect data:

Isle of Anglesey County Council; www.ageuk.org.uk -Age Cymru; Centre for Public Scrutiny; Cyngor Gwynedd Council;

Britloos.co.uk – (British Toilet Association); News.bbc.co.uk; www.guardian.co.uk; Wales.gov.uk – Welsh Government; communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/publicaccesstoilets; www.publications.parliament.uk

3.7 In coming to its conclusion the Scrutiny Review Panel conducted five meetings: 27th June, 2011; 8th July, 2011; 22nd July, 2011; 12th September, 2011; 14th November, 2011

3.8 The Panel conducted its initial meeting on the 27th June, 2011. The Chair of the Parent Scrutiny Committee (Cllr Keith Evans) shared with the other Members a list of options he could see available to the Panel for consideration when making their final recommendations.

1. Closure of certain public toilets; 2. Reduced hours/weeks/months of opening certain public toilets; 3. Partnership with private sector/community councils/other bodies to fund/manage certain public toilets; 4. Closure of all public toilets, transfer responsibility and funding to private sector; 5. Charge public for use of public toilets; 6. Status quo (asserting that the provision is essential in the public interest and to support/encourage tourism – and suggesting the savings sought should come from elsewhere)

4. Current Expenditure

4.1 Maintaining the provision of 35 public toilets on the island results in an average annual expenditure of £339,000 (based on a three year average). The table below details a breakdown of this expenditure with Appendix 1 providing a detailed breakdown of the average running costs per public toilet over the last three financial years.

Average Annual Cost Function (3yr average) Repairs and Maintenance £26,000 Water Management System (PHS) £7,000 Electricity £2,000 NNDR (Rates) £27,000 Water Rates (Welsh Water) £13,000 Sewerage (Welsh Water) £14,000 Septic Tank Emptying £46,000 Insurance £2,000 Capital Charges (internal IoACC charge) £76,000 Cleaning Costs (Eminent Environmental) £126,000 Total average running costs of the last 3 years £339,000

4.2 The public toilet revenue budget has historically always been significantly overspent (the over spend in 2010/11 was around £49,000). One reason cited for this being that the budget allocated per annum has never been sufficient to deal with the level of service provided. Historically the Waste Management Section has dealt with this significant overspend by using any identified under spend from other budget headings under its control; but now these other budget headings are also under threat due to the forced cuts having to be made throughout the Authority. The Service is currently discussing options with the Finance Department to deal with this historical imbalance.

4.3 It was indentified that a significant proportion (37%) of the revenue costs of managing the public toilets on the island could be apportioned to the cleaning contract at an annual cost of circa £126,000.

4.4 2 toilets have been identified by the Waste Management Section as being „closed‟ on a permanent basis; Amlwch (Bull Bay Road/Dinorben Square) and Holyhead (Victoria Square). Maintaining these two sites, despite not being open to the public since 2009 and 2007 respectively, costs the Authority £9,399.93 (see table below for a breakdown).

PHS Total Repairs Septic Capital Location Water Electric NNDR Water Sewerage Insurance Cleaning Costs & Maint. Tank Char. System (£) AMLWCH Bull Bay Road / 725.74 0.00 68.50 1,216.25 66.01 104.82 0.00 53.17 2,379.12 649.80 5,263.41 Dinorben Square - HOLYHEAD VICTORIA 298.33 5.11 (20.25) 636.67 18.14 49.43 0.00 53.17 3,095.92 0.00 4,136.52 SQUARE – Closed Total 1,024.07 5.11 88.75 1,852.92 84.15 154.25 0.00 106.34 5,475.04 649.80 9,399.93

4.5 It was disclosed that a saving on these costs would only be possible were the toilet blocks to be demolished.

5. Public Toilet Condition Survey

5.1 In 2010 it was agreed that a general condition survey should be conducted on the Authority‟s public toilet stock. Following a procurement process it was decided to appoint CIPFA, who are experienced surveyors, to carry out these works. The surveys took place in October 2010 and the draft results provided to the Council in January 2011.

5.2 The condition survey considered several elements of the current public toilet infrastructure including a review of each building‟s overall structure, any mechanical installations and the electrical systems present (if applicable). Each public toilet was given an overall rating following the survey of either: A - good, B – satisfactory, C – Poor or D – Bad. The majority of public toilets reached a grade B standard (satisfactory). The overall results of the condition survey are shown in Appendix 1.

5.3 The final condition survey report listed the estimated costs of the works required at each public toilet to bring them up to an acceptable standard whilst also suggesting a priority order for the works to take place. The following table summarises the additional capital expenditure which would be required to be spent on the Authority‟s public toilet stock over the 5 year period 2011-2015:

Year Additional expenditure required per year 2011 £64k 2012 £27k 2013 £39k 2014 £3k 2015 £3k Total Proposed Expenditure (excluding £135k indexation, contingency and procurement costs)

5.4 The condition survey, although useful in terms of its identification of the current condition of the Authority‟s stock of public toilets, has bought about a need for further capital investment. The following table identifies the amount of capital funding required at each of the island‟s public toilets in order to bring them up to an acceptable standard.

Location Capital funding required ABERFFRAW New Site - Llys Llewelyn £643 AMLWCH Lon Goch £1,691 BEAUMARIS Archway £2,640 BEAUMARIS School Lane £1,014 BENLLECH Square £3,992 CEMAES High Street £8,105 HOLYHEAD Breakwater Park £1,240 LLANFAIRPWLL £3,620 LLANGEFNI Lon Y Felin £8,335 LLANNERCH-Y-MEDD £3,850 HOLYHEAD Penrhos Nature Reserve £2,910 RHOSNEIGR Car Park £1,456 HOLYHEAD SWIFT SQUARE £11,123 VALLEY Car Park £4,382 MENAI BRIDGE Library/Wood Street £9,534 BENLLECH Wendon - Beach £1,862 BRYNSIENCYN £1,050 BULL BAY Car Park £7,303 CEMAES Beach Car Park £3,625 CHURCH BAY £797 LLANDDONA £1,093 LLANEILIAN £1,717 MENAI BRIDGE Bowling Green £830 MENAI BRIDGE Pier / St. Georges £3,135 MOELFRE Car Park £5,730 NEWBOROUGH £1,022 HOLYHEAD NEWRY Beach £2,441 HOLYHEAD PENRHOS Beach £14,600 PORTH NOBLA Portaloo Ty Croes £6,364 PORTHDAFARCH £1,379 RED WHARF BAY £7,244 RHOSCOLYN / ELSAN TY CANOL £1,607 HOLYHEAD SOUTH STACK £1,349 TRAETH BYCHAN £1,138 TREARDDUR BAY £1,758 TOTAL £130,579 NOTE: The above table does not include the £4,105 identified to refurbish Amlwch (Dinorben Square)

6 Community Toilet Grant Scheme

6.1 The Welsh Government (WG) sponsored Community Toilet Grant Scheme started in 2009/10 and provided Local Authorities with grant funding of £17,500 annually to repay businesses who allow public access to their toilets.

6.2 At the current time of writing the Isle of Anglesey County Council is at capacity with 35 businesses across the Island offering this additional „private‟ toilet provision service to members of the public (a list of each „private‟ toilet location can be seen in Appendix 2). Each participating organisation receives an annual recompense payment of £500 for providing this service. The scheme has proved very popular and opportunities to expand the service further are continuously being explored. It should be noted that no certainty exists with regards to the future funding of this specific WG sponsored grant.

6.3 In February of this year, Age Cymru‟s Director of Influencing and Programme Development, Victoria Lloyd stated “Programmes such as the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Toilet Grant Scheme - which encourages private companies to enable the public to use their toilet facilities - can be part of a sustainable solution to toilet provision. It also demonstrates that making sure toilets are available in our communities does not need to cost significant sums of money.

In the current economic climate it is even more vital that community facilities which help people to remain active – such as toilets, are provided across Wales. A lack of toilets can compromise older people’s dignity, leading to them becoming isolated because they’re afraid to venture out. And this isn’t just an issue for older people – people with disabilities, pregnant women and parents with young children need access to clean and convenient public toilets.

The Community Toilet Scheme is a great example of how joined up thinking and collaborative working between local authorities and private businesses can benefit everyone in society”.

6.4 In November 2011, the Isle of Anglesey County Council‟s Waste Management Section received confirmation from the Welsh Government that grant funding for the scheme has been secured until March 2013.

7. Scoring Criteria

7.1 During the period in between the full Committee meeting and the initial meeting of the Scrutiny Review Panel scoring criteria were agreed which would allow the Waste Management Officers to identify a rank order of priority for the toilets in accordance with the agreed criteria below.

1. Does the public convenience have a disabled toilet? There is a disabled toilet present – Score = 1 There is no disable toilet present – Score = 0

2. Is there a Blue Flag beach within 400m (1/4 mile) of the toilet? There is a Blue Flag beach within 400m of the toilet – Score = 1 There is no Blue Flag beach within 400m of the toilet – Score = 0

3. Is the public toilet within 400m of a significant visitor attraction (this to include an amenity beach, a tourist attraction but not shops)? The public toilet is within 400m of a significant visitor attraction – Score = 1 The public toilet is not within 400m of a significant visitor attraction – Score = 0

4. Is the public toilet located within 400m of a medium sized shopping area (10 or more shops)? The public toilet is located within 400m of several shops – Score = 1 The public toilet is not located within 400m of several shops – Score = 0

5. Is the public toilet located within 400m of the Anglesey Coastal Path? The public toilet is located within 400m of the Coastal Path – Score = 1 The public toilet is not located within 400m of the Coastal Path – Score = 0

6. Is the public toilet located within 400m of an A or B road? The public toilet is located within 400m of an A or B road – Score = 1 The public toilet is not located within 400m of an A or B road – Score = 0

7. Is the public toilet located within 400m of a main transport interface (e.g. train station, main bus terminal, seaport or airport)? The public toilet is located within 400m of a public transport interface – Score = 1 The public toilet is not located within 400m of a public transport interface – Score = 0

7.2 The results of the scoring process (Appendix 3) were shared with the Panel at their initial meeting with a suggestion made to look at those which had scored the lowest in more detail. Members felt that this may not be the best option as some toilets may have scored more highly than other during the scoring process but

may be better positioned to lend themselves to other options i.e. transfer to Town/Community Councils; extension of the Community Toilet Scheme etc.

8. Shortlist

8.1 Throughout the process each public toilet was reviewed on its individual merit with a shortlist being identified at one meeting only to be amended at the following meeting due to new information/evidence being gathered. Utilising a spreadsheet prepared by the Waste Management Section detailing opening times, condition survey results, an evaluation of the scoring process and a breakdown of revenue/support costs for each individual toilet the Panel formulated an initial shortlist of toilets seen as „in danger of closure‟ in order to concentrate their efforts upon. This interim shortlist was as follows: Llanerchymedd; Holyhead (Penrhos Nature Reserve); Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Valley; Newborough; Brynsiencyn; Menai Bridge (Bowling Green); Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges);

8.2 In addition to the above list, the Panel also felt it necessary to review the Authority‟s position in relation to the two public toilets identified as „permanently closed‟ as noted above i.e. Amlwch (Bull Bay Road/Dinorben Square) and Holyhead (Victoria Square).

8.3 During following meetings of the Panel the shortlist was reviewed and amended making the following changes:

8.3.1 The following public toilets were removed from the initial shortlist:

Valley - Following discussions in relation to the levels of use and need for public toilets in Valley the Panel Members were all in agreement that there is evidential need for public conveniences within the village. The village is very popular with surrounding residents and tourists alike and therefore it was agreed that the location should be removed from the initial shortlist.

Menai Bridge Bowling Green – The Panel agreed that due to the increasing levels of people launching power boats etc. from the nearby slipway that it may be prudent to maintain these toilets.

Holyhead (Penrhos Nature Reserve) – Following guidance from the Corporate Director for Environment and Technical Services it was decided to remove these

toilets from the shortlist. With future developments afoot in relation to the land in question it was agreed that any recommendations in relation to these toilets may be made redundant following the outcome of a planning application for development of the land.

8.3.2 The following public toilets were included to the shortlist:

Cemaes High Street; Holyhead South Stack

8.4 Individual Toilets

In order to ensure that there is sound justification for placing each public toilet on to the shortlist for potential closure it was vital that each location was discussed on its own individual merit identifying the reason behind placing it on the shortlist.

8.4.1 Amlwch (Bull Bay Road/Dinorben Square)

The toilets have been closed since 2009 with minimal if any disruption to the public. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £4,105 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. The Head of Service (Highways) carried out a site visit to the site to evaluate its potential as a development opportunity. It was agreed that there was no benefit to the Authority with the continued maintenance of the building with Members in agreement that the site posed a great potential for a saleable asset to a private contractor. However, in order to become a real development opportunity consideration would need to be given to sell land adjacent to the toilet block i.e. part of the car park.

8.4.2 Brynsiencyn

During the scoring process the public toilet at Brynsiencyn scored a 3 out of a possible 7 which bought it to the attention of the Review Panel. With low usage of the public toilets identified by the level of water usage at the site, it was felt that there are other options available in the village i.e. the Groeslon public house (directly adjacent to the public toilet) which is open 12pm-11pm and is part of the Community Toilet Scheme. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £1,050 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to close the facility the Authority would potentially save £2,697.45 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.3 Cemaes High Street

Having scored 3 during the scoring process it was felt justifiable that these public toilets were considered for inclusion on the revised shortlist. The toilets do not offer disabled facilities with no potential to expand the toilet block to incorporate these facilities. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £8,105 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. There is also another public toilet in Cemaes (Beach Car Park) which scored 4 with further potential for businesses in the surrounding area to become part of the Community Toilet Scheme. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to close the facility the Authority would potentially save £3,151.37 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.4 Holyhead (Penrhos Beach)

Despite scoring 4 out of 7 during the scoring process the building has been identified as unsuitable for the need with an approximate refurbishment cost identified during the condition survey of £14,600. The Panel felt that due to the condition of the building, locally recognised issues relating to the site and the level of usage that the toilets should be placed on the shortlist of potential closures. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to accept the recommendation the Authority would potentially save £7,126.73 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.5 Holyhead South Stack

Having scored 3 out of 7 during the scoring process it was felt that further deliberations were required on the options available to the Authority in relation to these public toilets. Following the recent refurbishment of the RSPB owned cafe, which lies within circa 100 yards of the Authority owned toilet, it now incorporates its own toilets. It was considered justifiable to place these conveniences on the shortlist in order for further investigation to be undertaken into the options available to the Authority i.e. closure, maintain status quo, sell the toilet on the open market etc. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to accept the recommendation the Authority would potentially save £5,771.57 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.6 Holyhead Victoria Square

The toilets have been closed since 2007 due to the extensive refurbishment required to the building i.e. no disabled facilities, no hand wash basins. Following further investigation it transpires that the public toilet building is a leasehold property which is on land owned by Stena Line Ports Limited. The use of the building is limited to that of a public convenience only. Under the terms of the Authority‟s lease it may terminate the agreement, giving 6 months notice, and must remove the building and reinstate the site and boundary wall upon termination. Despite the above incurring additional costs, the only other option open to the Authority is to undertake the refurbishment work and re-open the public toilet as, at present, the Authority is in breach of the terms of its lease.

8.4.7 Llanerchymedd

Scored 2 out of 7 during the scoring process and it was felt that there was sufficient alternative facilities in the village with Anglesey Flowers circa 100 yards from the public toilets part of Community Toilet Scheme and two public houses in close proximity and a further café/tourist attraction within a few hundred yards. There is no, or very minimal, local usage of the facility. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £3,850 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to accept the recommendation the Authority would potentially save £5,091.80 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.8 Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges)

All three public toilets in Menai Bridge scored 6 out of 7; however, as the Panel felt that these public toilets may be more beneficial to the University of Wales Bangor‟s Marine Sciences Department than to the public at large, and with two other toilets within less than a ¼ mile of these toilets, it was agreed to place the toilets on a revised shortlist of potential closures. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £3,135 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to accept the recommendation the Authority would potentially save £3,234.11 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

8.4.9 Newborough

Having scored 2 out of a possible 7 during the scoring process the public toilet in Newborough found itself a topic of discussion as to the options available to the Authority. Irregular levels of usage identified by the water usage levels with visitors passing through the village on the way to the beach (which has its own toilet) rather than spending any time in the village itself. During the 2010 condition survey it was estimated that it would cost approximately £1,022 to refurbish the toilets to an acceptable standard. Were the toilet to be recommended for closure and a decision made by the Board of Commissioners to accept the recommendation the Authority would potentially save £3,578.15 in revenue costs per annum (with other costs such as NNDR remaining).

9. Available Options

The Scrutiny Review Panel felt that simply recommending a list of public toilets for closure in order to satisfy the requirements of the Affordable Priorities Programme in identifying an annual saving of £30,000 should not be the only remit of the Panel‟s investigation. To this end deliberations were undertaken to identify what options were available to the Authority i.e. close the toilets and simply secure the building, sell the assets, maintain status quo etc.

9.1 Charging for using toilets

9.1.1 The first option investigated was that of the Authority charging people for the use of the public toilet provision. This option was dismissed as not being a viable one for a number of reasons.

9.1.2 One reason for the dismissal of this as an option was the additional cost to the Authority in implementing such a scheme from the cost of purchasing and installing equipment to the additional capacity required to administer the system. Any such system would require an officer to empty any payment metres, pay any monies into the bank, and administer a set of accounts whereby additional training may be required. In relation to the terms of reference of the Review Panel‟s investigation it was felt that this option was not finding a saving, but may require additional budgetary funding.

9.1.3 A further option was investigated whereby the Authority would install a turnstile system providing access to the public toilets whilst collecting a fee for entry. The Public Lavatories (Turnstiles) Act 1963 made it illegal for any Local Authority controlled or managed public convenience to have in place a turnstile in any part of a public lavatory or public sanitary convenience or in any entrance or exit of such a public lavatory or convenience.

9.2 Closure and Secure the Building

9.2.1 Simply closing the public convenience would only save the Authority a portion of the overall costs of managing the provision, including the cleaning costs. As an example we can see that the overall cost of managing/maintaining the above shortlist of public toilets amounts to £60,381.03; however, were a decision taken to close the recommended facilities and secure the buildings the revenue saving for the Authority would amount to £32,471.14

9.2.2 The difference between the total expenditure and the amount of funding saved per annum relates to various on-going costs in relation to the toilet buildings themselves i.e. NNDR, capital charges etc. which equate to £27,909.89

9.3 Demolition

9.3.1 It was noted that other ongoing costs had been identified to the Panel in respect of such matters as insurances, and NNDR. An option which might be considered would be to arrange for the demolition of any toilet blocks that were accepted as viable options for closure with, in the majority of cases, the land upon which they currently sit being reverted into additional parking spaces as part of the adjacent site.

9.3.2 It has been estimated by the Authority‟s Property Section that demolishing all the toilets on the shortlist would amount to approximately £90-95,000. Although the figure is high as a one-off debit, there may be options to consider spend to save funding to carry out demolition in order to save future revenue costs. Demolishing all the facilities on the identified shortlist would generate an annual saving of £60,381.03 with the costs recouped in less than 2 years.

9.4 Closure and sell the asset

9.4.1 The Isle of Anglesey County Council‟s Property Section was invited to provide advice regarding potential sales of surplus public conveniences. The Panel Members had originally anticipated that were this to be the preferred option of the Board of Commissioners that a recommendation would be made to ring fence any capital receipts for use towards works indentified during the 2010 condition survey.

9.4.2 Opinion was expressed that very few of the sites identified had significant opportunity for sale which would yield the desired capital receipts. Furthermore it was noted that there would be ongoing costs in respect of needs to regularly monitor empty buildings and to attend to any vandalism or building defects which endanger the general public or trespassers.

9.4.3 In a few instances there was considered to be opportunities for sale or transfer to priority applicants who might have special interest due to ownership or activities on adjacent sites. It was felt that decisions on closure of toilets required to achieve revenue savings should not be entirely dependent upon the likelihood of gaining capital receipts.

9.4.4 Detailed comments and options with regard to each site proposed are appended to this report (see Appendix 4).

9.4.5 Despite the advice provided by the Property Section that the majority of sites may not have development potential, the Panel, as part of its investigation felt it vital to gauge potential level of interest by members of both the public and business communities (including internal Authority departments i.e. Tourism and Town and Community Councils) in purchasing any locations on the shortlist. To this end, an advertisement was placed in local newspapers requesting any expressions of interest in any of the identified locations. At the end of October 2011, 32 responses had been received.

10. Cleaning Contract

10.1 In relation to the cleaning contract it was disclosed that the contract with Eminent Environment was for a period of 14 years. The Chief Waste Management Officer felt that the way in which the contract was written would allow the Authority to close some public toilets with the monies paid to the contractors decreasing in reflection. This unfortunately may mean redundancies on their part. The initial contract agreed with the contractors was priced on each individual toilet which would suggest that were closures to occur, costs would decrease accordingly.

10.2 Discussions were held with the contractors in relation to the effect any decision to close facilities or change the terms of the contract would have on their business. The proposed shortlist of potential closures was shared with the contractors who indicated an impact on their staff, if the list were agreed, as following:

A full time member of staff would be reduced to a part time operative; 2 part time operatives would be made redundant; 2 part time operatives would have a small increase in hours to cover the small amount of work left by the 2 staff made redundant; Reduce the hours of team leader by 20%

10.3 It was believed that the contractors would accept the proposed changes to the cleaning contract if deemed necessary. The amount paid out to the contractor would decrease in accordance with the number of locations closed with each toilet having been originally priced on an individual basis.

10.4 During September, 2011 it was disclosed to the Waste Management Section that Eminent Environment had gone into voluntary liquidation. With this in mind, the Panel were informed that there is a strong possibility that the cost of the cleaning contract will increase during the required tendering process.

11. Consultation

11.1 As part of any review process which could have an impact on the daily lives of members of the public it is vital that their opinions are sought before any final decisions are made. Indeed by completing the Authority‟s Equality Impact Assessment template (Appendix 5) the Panel was able to identify the groups which any decision to close public toilets may have a detrimental impact upon. To this end, the Scrutiny Review Panel undertook a consultation activity with those groups in society that it was felt would be directly impacted by any decision take to close facilities, namely, the elderly, the disabled and parents with young children. A consultation questionnaire (Appendix 6) was designed in order to gauge the views of these identified groups.

11.2 The Elderly

11.2.1 The population of the UK is ageing. Over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1985 to 17 per cent in 2010, an increase of 1.7 million people in this age group. Over the same period, the percentage of the population aged under 16 decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent. This trend is projected to continue. By 2035, 23 per cent of the population is projected to be aged 65 and over compared to 18 per cent aged under 16. The age profile of Anglesey shows that 21.4% of the population is aged 65 or over, the third highest proportion of older people among local authorities in Wales.

11.2.2 It is recognised that public toilets are often seen as a lifeline to the elderly community especially for those who wish to try and remain active. To this end, it was vital that this major part of society were consulted with in relation to any proposed shortlist for closure at an early stage.

11.2.3 In 2010 Age Cymru undertook a survey (The Community Calculator) to identify „How age friendly is my community?‟ One area measured was „Public Toilets‟ with the survey seeking a score out of 10 for the provision in the respondents‟ particular area, whilst posing the questions, “How good is access to public toilets in your local area?” and “ Are they safe and of a high standard”. The results for Anglesey were a lowly 3.95 out of 10.

11.2.4 Some of the comments provided included: Should be open during the winter months; Not of a high standard and close early; They are dirty, cold, no hand washing facilities

11.2.5 In order to gauge the feelings of the elderly of the provision on offer on Anglesey and the impact that would be felt by them were a decision made to close any locations identified on the proposed shortlist the questionnaire was sent to Age Cymru. Age Cymru agreed that they would distribute the questionnaires at their various Clubs held in each area on the shortlist to provide the Panel with an insight as to the feelings of the public at large.

11.2.6 Following the consultation period, only two responses were received relating to older people; one from Llanerchymedd and one from the Holyhead area.

Unfortunately the response from Llanerchymedd wasn‟t a full one with only two out of the six questions answered. The response received identified that in Llanerchymedd, the older people are satisfied with the location and cleanliness of the public toilets and are happy with the condition of the building but were concerned about the opening hours. Unfortunately due to the incomplete response, they have not indicated whether they would be against closing the toilet or whether they had knowledge of the Community Toilet Grant Scheme operating in their area.

A fuller response was received from Holyhead where they have indicated dissatisfaction with the location, cleanliness, condition and opening hours of the public toilets at both Penrhos Beach and South Stack.

Despite being aware of the Community Toilet Scheme they felt that more publicity is needed of the additional provision on offer if people are to use them as expected. It was felt that with the number of visitors to the island that the provision of public toilets is an important issue and where appropriate should be retained.

11.3 The Disabled

11.3.1 For many disabled people the accessible toilet has become symbolic of their access to the outside world, and although many „accessible‟ away from home toilets can be found throughout the country, there still remains some areas that cannot offer this provision.

11.3.2 Within the Equality Act 2010, a person is deemed as being protected under the characteristic „disability‟ if:

they have a physical or mental impairment the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities

11.3.3 It is difficult to get an exact idea of how many disabled people there are in the UK. Surveys tend to word the „disability question‟ in different ways which could lead to people feeling that they fit one criteria but not another. A recent strategy launched by the Prime Minister‟s Strategy Unit estimates that there are currently 11 million disabled adults in the UK, equivalent to 21% of the population. They also estimate that one in twenty children under sixteen years of age is disabled, and the number of children with special needs is increasing.

11.3.4 Within Wales figures contained in „A Statistical Focus on Disability and Long-term Illness‟ published by the National Assembly for Wales in 2003 paint a picture that shows a steady increase in the numbers of disabled people over the past twenty years.

11.3.5 Although identified as a group which may potentially be affected by any decision to close public toilets across the island, unfortunately, no responses were received during the consultation period identifying the feelings of the wider disabled community.

11.4 Parents with Young Children

11.4.1 The birth rate has fallen in the last decade in Wales. Anglesey and Gwynedd have seen the greatest decline in North Wales of around 15%. Despite this statistic it was still indentified by the Equality Impact Assessment that parents with young children may be detrimentally affected by any decision to close public conveniences on Anglesey.

11.4.2 To this end, a consultation exercise was undertaken through already established forums at „Genesis Wales 2‟. Three responses were received during the consultation period. Two of the responses felt that the majority of issues which were being measured were „poor‟ or „very poor‟ whilst the other scored each issue „good‟ or „very good‟.

11.4.3 Two of the responses received identified that they would be opposed to seeing the public toilets in Cemaes High Street closed; however, no qualitative data i.e. a reason; was supplied. Two of the three responses indicated that they had not heard of the Community Toilet Grant Scheme with the same result when asked whether they felt more publicity of the scheme is required.

11.5 Young People

11.5.1 In addition to the above groups, it was felt appropriate to seek the feelings of young residents on the island, thus, the consultation questionnaire was also shared with the Llais Ni Youth Forum. 34 responses were received from young people on the issue.

11.5.2 Although as expected the majority were opposed to seeing their local public toilet closed the most notable area of concentration was the need to better publicise the Community Toilet Scheme with 88% of the young people feeling that the current publicity is insufficient.

11.5.3 Another area of concern for the young people was the cleanliness of the current public toilet provision on offer with 82% stating that the cleanliness of the toilets were either „Ok‟, „Poor‟, or „Very Poor‟.

12. Summary Conclusions

12.1 The issue of reducing or disbanding with any public service is a challenging one, however, in times of austerity it can be a necessary evil. Public conveniences is an area that can cause great debate especially as all Local Authorities are looking at a variety of options as to how to approach the delivery of their non statutory services over the next few years.

12.2 The introduction of the Community Toilet Scheme has reduced the potential impact that any public toilet closure may have not only on local residents but also on the tourist industry. With tourist normally not being aware of the previous existence of a public toilet in the area, better marketing of establishments taking part in the Community Toilet Scheme would diminish the impact further.

12.3 Public toilet provision is also an important issue for areas relying on tourism income, or seeking to develop their profile as a visitor destination. Tourism‟s contribution to the UK economy could grow by more than 60% to £188bn by 2020, a report by Deloitte and forecasting organization Oxford Economics suggests.

12.4 Being able to access a toilet is a fundamental need for any visitor. Tourists need more local information, more signposts. They cannot simply go home, into work, or their local pub to use the toilet. Tourists choose their destinations carefully, drawing on their previous impressions, talking to friends and family, looking up feedback on the internet. Sense of destination – the extent to which it has met a visitor‟s needs and made a strong and positive impression – is therefore vital to secure repeat trade and sustainable economic development.

12.5 However, there are always two sides to every story. Diminishing numbers of public conveniences can have a detrimental impact on a large part of society i.e. the elderly and the disabled. Customer expectations of council services continue to rise and the increasing population of older residents will mean that even more people will require toilet facilities that are accessible, clean and safe. Some people may feel reluctant to leave their homes and visit areas where they fear they will not be able to find a public toilet. Older people, mothers, fathers and carers with young children, disabled people and people with chronic health problems all need easy access to suitably equipped public toilet facilities.

12.6 When carrying out the review it was important that the Panel kept in mind that the provision and maintenance of toilets in public places is at the discretion of local authorities who have the power, under section 87 of the Public Health Act 1936, to provide public conveniences, but no duty to do so. Whether or not an authority chooses to provide these facilities is at their discretion, and has to be weighed in the balance against other local service demands.

12.7 Society has changed fundamentally, for instance we all now have toilets and washing facilities within our own homes. The role and functions of local government have also evolved and expanded. They now have to manage a wide range of competing demands, some statutory, some discretionary, within the resources available to them. As a result, the importance attached by local councils to public toilet provision may no longer be as high as it once was.

12.8 There are costs attached to providing public toilets. Revenue streams are needed not only to cover basic cleaning and maintenance, but also rates, electricity, water supply, and sewerage treatment. Older toilets may, as the condition survey identifies, need to be upgraded to meet modern health and safety legislation, and to make them fully accessible. At the same time evidence from various studies suggests that people increasingly prefer to use toilets in managed building such as shopping centres.

12.9 Local Authority toilets therefore risk falling into a cycle of decline where low usage e.g. for toilets located in remote or secluded areas; creates an atmosphere of neglect, discouraging public use for the purpose intended and attracting anti- social behavior, graffiti and criminal damage, which in turn increase maintenance costs. A situation where maintenance costs are high or rising, and public use is falling, is not sustainable.

12.10 At the culmination of the Panel‟s review of public toilet provision on Anglesey, a shortlist of seven potential locations for closure was identified. These are: Brynsiencyn, Cemaes High Street, Penrhos Beach (Holyhead), South Stack (Holyhead), Llanerchymedd, Menai Bridge Pier and Newborough. In addition to this shortlist there are a further two public toilets which have been closed since 2009 and 2007 respectively – Dinorben Square (Amlwch) and Victoria Square (Holyhead).

12.11 A decision to close the above list would provide revenue savings to the Authority of circa £32,471.14; however, as the building would remain in situ, there would remain an annual cost to the Authority of circa £27,909.89.

12.12 Were a decision to be made to close the above list and demolish each building the annual saving to the Authority would amount to £60,381.03. An estimated cost of demolishing all the toilets on the shortlist would amount to approximately £90-95,000; however, demolition is not the only option open to the Authority with an option to sell each toilet block on the open market a viable one.

12.13 In addition to the above costs it is also worth noting the amount of capital funding which would not require to be spent in order to refurbish the final shortlist of potential closures. As noted in the 2010 condition survey, there would be a total estimated cost of £135,000 to the Authority to refurbish its stock of public toilets; by approving the above closures this would be reduced by £37,216.00.

13. Recommendations

Following the conclusion of its investigation the Scrutiny Review Panel make the following recommendations:

13.1 The public convenience at Penrhos Nature Reserve, Holyhead to be independently reviewed in the future following the outcome of the Land and Lakes planning application.

13.2 The public toilet at Red Wharf Bay to be reviewed independently of the authority’s stock due to the unique circumstances surrounding the location and potential for major capital investment required to resolve ongoing/historic issues.

13.3 Further work to be conducted by the Waste Management Section to raise awareness of the Community Toilet Grant Scheme with consideration to be given to creating clearer signage to be displayed at participating outlets.

13.4 The Isle of Anglesey County Council to seek to utilise a spend to save initiative to demolish the existing public toilet block at Victoria Square, Holyhead and reinstate the boundary wall in the process as per the terms of the original lease.

The Scrutiny Review Panel has also identified five options for the Board of Commissioners to consider. The Panel Members were in agreement that they fully endorse „Option D‟, however leave any final decision to the Board of Commissioners to make.

13.4 OPTION ‘A’ The Isle of Anglesey County Council to close the authority owned public toilets in the following areas, making an annual revenue saving of £32,471.14: Brynsiencyn; Cemaes High Street (to remain open whilst works are carried out to rectify current issues at the toilets at Cemaes Beach); Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Holyhead (South Stack); Llanerchymedd; Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); Newborough

(Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £29,319.77)

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to put up for sale on the open market the following toilet blocks together with any land connected with the property thereby making an annual saving of £60,381.03 and gaining capital receipts: Amlwch (Dinorben Square); Brynsiencyn; Cemaes High Street; Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Holyhead (South Stack); Llanerchymedd; Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); Newborough (Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £55,550.17)

All capital receipts gained from the sale of any of the public toilet stock to be recycled and utilised towards the additional capital costs required identified by the condition survey.

13.5 OPTION ‘B’

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to close the authority owned public toilets in the following areas, making an annual revenue saving of £32,471.14:

Brynsiencyn; Cemaes High Street (to remain open whilst works are carried out to rectify current issues at the toilets at Cemaes Beach); Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Holyhead (South Stack); Llanerchymedd; Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); Newborough (Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £29,319.77)

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to utilise spend to save funding to demolish the remaining toilet blocks and revert the land to additional

parking space where applicable thus making an annual saving of £60,381.03

(Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £55,550.17)

13.6 OPTION C

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to close the authority owned public toilets in the following areas, making an annual revenue saving of £32,471.14: Brynsiencyn; Cemaes High Street (to remain open whilst works are carried out to rectify current issues at the toilets at Cemaes Beach); Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Holyhead (South Stack); Llanerchymedd; Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); Newborough (Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £29,319.77)

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to maintain the building which remains in situ at an annual cost of £27,909.89.

13.7 OPTION D

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to put up for sale on the open market the following toilet blocks together with any land connected with the

property thereby making an annual saving of £60,381.03 and gaining capital receipts: Amlwch (Dinorben Square); Brynsiencyn; Cemaes High Street; Holyhead (Penrhos Beach); Holyhead (South Stack); Llanerchymedd; Menai Bridge (Pier/St Georges); Newborough (Note: The above saving will only be realized once Cemaes High Street has been closed – prior to this closure the saving will be £55,550.17)

All capital receipts gained from the sale of any of the public toilet stock to be recycled and utilised towards the additional capital costs required identified by the condition survey.

Where applicable, if toilet blocks remain unsold with no development potential a ‘spend to save’ initiative be implemented to demolish the remaining building.

13.8 OPTION E

The Isle of Anglesey County Council to maintain the current level of provision (going against the requirement of the Affordable Priorities Programme) whilst a review is conducted of collaborative working options i.e. share the costs of certain toilets with interested Town/Community Councils or internal departments within the Authority i.e. Tourism.

APPENDIX 1 – Average annual running costs per toilet (3 year average) including Condition Survey Results

Costs (£) Structural PHS Location Repairs & Capital Condition Water Electricity NNDR Water Sewerage Septic Tank Insurance Cleaning Total Costs Maint. Char. System Open all year ABERFFRAW New Site - Llys Llewelyn B 400.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,528.60 3,929.32 AMLWCH Lon Goch A 1,235.18 256.74 153.22 1,498.71 319.73 389.33 0.00 53.17 3,237.26 3,854.75 10,998.09 BEAUMARIS Archway B 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,260.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,189.22 7,453.77 10,903.97 BEAUMARIS School Lane B 958.47 279.56 237.19 1,536.80 1,235.07 1,558.16 0.00 53.17 2,245.92 3,495.01 11,599.35 BENLLECH Square B 1,018.60 245.67 0.00 1,112.81 983.44 1,045.65 0.00 53.17 1,863.32 3,392.20 9,714.86 CEMAES High Street B 380.40 279.56 (468.16) 153.46 359.17 438.85 0.00 53.17 1,268.66 1,696.08 4,161.19 HOLYHEAD Breakwater Park C 321.96 277.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 71.51 662.01 0.00 1,332.69 LLANFAIRPWLL B 439.63 279.56 0.00 1,251.53 876.59 995.74 0.00 53.17 3,383.10 4,086.07 11,365.39 LLANGEFNI Lon Y Felin B 1,368.65 279.56 0.00 2,250.67 615.68 716.20 0.00 106.35 2,802.90 5,705.09 13,845.10 LLANNERCH-Y-MEDD B 407.54 0.00 91.45 1,316.28 293.47 359.93 0.00 53.17 3,022.08 4,086.10 9,630.02 HOLYHEAD Penrhos Nature Reserve B 526.47 279.56 0.00 677.00 175.62 0.00 8,823.33 53.17 1,893.01 3,777.69 16,205.85 RHOSNEIGR Car Park B 465.10 279.56 0.00 0.00 425.86 508.01 0.00 53.17 0.00 5,173.75 6,905.45 HOLYHEAD SWIFT SQUARE B 2,353.61 321.71 582.09 968.47 1,860.47 2,114.67 0.00 0.00 1,174.85 16.21 9,392.08 VALLEY Car Park B 291.17 277.21 0.00 2,474.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 53.17 2,976.73 4,317.24 10,389.57 MENAI BRIDGE Library/Wood Street B 971.75 279.56 0.00 1,148.08 55.81 99.12 0.00 53.17 1,784.07 0.00 4,391.56 Seasonal BENLLECH Wendon - Beach B 1,629.23 277.21 0.00 0.00 1,767.08 1,935.97 0.00 53.17 3,179.87 4,220.50 13,063.03 BRYNSIENCYN B 112.73 291.33 0.00 1,109.40 102.01 149.56 0.00 53.17 2,180.57 2,140.17 6,138.94 BULL BAY Car Park C 58.95 279.56 0.00 1,261.75 (264.32) 123.99 0.00 53.17 0.00 2,330.13 3,843.23 CEMAES Beach Car Park B 1,412.67 291.33 0.00 1,057.38 237.16 298.75 2,733.33 53.17 3,664.89 4,143.80 13,892.48 CHURCH BAY B 229.12 277.21 0.00 0.00 300.21 27.06 4,668.33 53.17 1,216.02 1,816.21 8,587.33 LLANDDONA B 126.86 0.00 0.00 0.00 166.01 12.16 0.00 53.17 0.00 2,490.78 2,848.98 LLANEILIAN B 96.37 0.00 0.00 0.00 121.72 9.50 0.00 53.17 1,183.96 2,023.76 3,488.48 MENAI BRIDGE Bowling Green B 99.49 291.33 1,095.58 541.99 129.49 188.94 0.00 53.17 0.00 2,712.72 5,112.71 MENAI BRIDGE Pier / St. Georges B 222.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 270.82 347.96 0.00 53.17 2,022.09 2,490.78 5,407.72 MOELFRE Car Park B 246.85 0.00 0.00 255.08 663.34 766.66 0.00 53.17 0.00 1,141.60 3,126.70 NEWBOROUGH B 380.35 291.33 0.00 1,955.17 152.78 205.58 0.00 53.17 2,315.86 2,646.46 8,000.70 HOLYHEAD NEWRY Beach B 902.78 279.56 281.01 1,028.63 287.71 354.83 0.00 53.17 1,096.22 373.49 4,657.40 HOLYHEAD PENRHOS Beach C 196.93 0.00 0.00 0.00 442.05 521.25 0.00 53.17 1,736.87 6,064.85 9,015.12 PORTH NOBLA Portaloo Ty Croes B 181.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 113.28 8.41 33.33 0.00 778.37 1,114.87 PORTHDAFARCH B 1,576.63 233.91 0.00 0.00 211.91 0.00 4,701.67 53.17 1,448.19 1,920.00 10,145.48 RED WHARF BAY C 1,705.47 279.56 0.00 0.00 248.70 0.00 14,490.00 53.17 1,030.84 1,037.83 18,845.57 RHOSCOLYN / ELSAN TY CANOL B 855.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 67.30 0.00 5,517.89 53.17 2,458.39 2,542.61 11,495.15 HOLYHEAD SOUTH STACK B 344.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 323.43 325.57 4,806.67 106.35 1,730.58 0.00 7,637.50 TRAETH BYCHAN B 483.25 279.56 0.00 0.00 135.69 208.36 0.00 53.17 2,768.20 2,283.22 6,211.45 TREARDDUR BAY B 844.14 279.56 161.78 750.23 406.05 489.42 0.00 53.17 2,276.44 0.00 5,260.79 Closed AMLWCH Bull Bay Road / Dinorben Sq. n/a 725.74 0.00 68.50 1,216.25 66.01 104.82 0.00 53.17 2,379.12 649.80 5,263.41 HOLYHEAD VICTORIA SQUARE n/a 298.33 5.11 (20.25) 636.67 18.14 49.43 0.00 53.17 3,095.92 0.00 4,136.52

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES GENERAL 2,084.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,560.48 31,458.46 40,103.54 TOTALS 26,053.04 6,692.02 2,182.41 26,968.06 13,167.48 14,353.88 45,774.55 1,879.31 76,294.76 125,848.10 339,213.61

Condition Survey Key – A – Good B – Satisfactory C – Poor D – Bad

APPENDIX 2 – Community Toilet Grant Scheme Members

Premises Facilities Opening hours 1 Adelphi Vaults Male toilet 12pm- 1am, Monday - 3 Quay Street Female toilet Sunday Amlwch Port LL68 9HD 2 Anglesey Flowers Unisex toilet 9am – 5.30pm, Shop 2 Monday - Friday High Street Llannerchymedd LL71 8EH 3 Ann’s Pantry Male toilet 10am - 6pm, Sunday - Moelfre Female toilet Wednesday LL72 8HH 10am - 10pm, Thursday - Saturday 4 Avondale Café, Male toilet 7.30am – 3pm, 20 High Street Female toilet Monday - Saturday Llangefni Baby changing facilities LL77 7NA 5 Baby Box Unisex toilet 10am- 5pm, Monday - London Road Friday Valley 10am- 3pm, Saturday - LL65 3DP Sunday 6 Bold Arms Hotel, Male toilet 12pm - 12am, Monday Beaumaris Female toilet - Sunday LL58 8AA 7 Bull Bay Hotel, Male toilet 10am – 12pm Monday Bull Bay, Female toilet - Sunday Amlwch, Baby changing facilities LL68 9SH 8 The Bulkeley Hotel Male toilet 7am - 11pm Monday - 19 Castle Street Female toilet Sunday Beaumaris Disabled toilet LL58 8AW Baby changing facilities 9 Dee's Deli, Unisex toilet 9.30am - 5.30pm 33 Tan yr Efail, Monday - Friday Holyhead, LL65 2SE 10 Edinburgh Castle Male toilet 12pm - 12am Monday Holyhead Female toilet - Sunday LL65 2BU 11 Flowers by Arrangement Unisex toilet 9am - 5pm, Monday, 9 Church Terrace Wednesday, Thursday, Holyhead Friday LL65 HP 9am- 1pm, Tuesday, Saturday

12 George and Dragon Male toilet 11.30am - 12am Beaumaris Female toilet Monday- Sunday LL58 8AA 13 Groeslon Hotel Male toilet 12pm - 11pm, Monday Brynsiencyn Female toilet - Sunday Llanfairpwll LL61 6TU 14 Gwelfor Community Centre Male toilet 8am – 9pm, Monday – Ffordd Tudur Female toilet Friday Holyhead Unisex toilet LL65 2DH Disabled toilet Baby changing facilities 15 Holland Hotel Male toilet 3pm - 12am, Monday Llanfachraeth Female toilet – Friday LL65 4UH 12pm – 1am Saturday 11am – 10.30pm Sunday 16 Holyhead Marina Male toilet 8am- 6pm Monday- Newry Beach Female toilet Sunday Holyhead Disabled toilet LL65 1YA Baby changing facilities

17 Joiners Arms, Male toilet 11am – 11pm Tuesday High Street, Female toilet to Thursday in the Malltraeth, Baby changing facilities Summer. Bodorgan, 12pm – 3pm & 7pm – LL62 5AS 11pm Tuesday to Thursday in the Winter. 12pm – 11pm Friday to Sunday all year round. 18 Kinmel Arms Male toilet 12pm – 12am, Moelfre Female toilet Monday - Sunday LL72 8HH Disabled toilet Baby changing facilities 19 Lastra Farm Hotel Male toilet 7am – 11pm Monday - Amlwch Female toilet Sunday LL68 9TF Disabled toilet Baby changing facilities 20 Lligwy Beach Café, Male Toilet 10am – 6pm Monday Pen-y-Nant, Female Toilet to Sunday in the Lligwy Beach, Summer. Dulas, 10am – 6pm Saturday LL70 9PQ & Sunday and school holidays in the Winter. 21 London Road Community Male toilet 8am - 5pm, Monday Centre Female toilet 8am - 7pm, Tuesday,

15A London Road Disabled toilet Wednesday, Thursday Holyhead Baby changing facilities 8am - 4pm, Friday LL65 2NE 8am - 2pm, Saturday

22 Longford Road Dental Practice Unisex toilet 9am - 5pm, Monday - Longford Road Friday Holyhead LL65 1TR 23 Riverside Café / Gallery Unisex toilet 11am – 5pm, Tuesday Deva - Sunday Malltraeth Bodorgan LL62 5AY 24 Spinning Wheel Male toilet 9.30am – 6pm 1 Bulkeley Place Female toilet Monday to Sunday in Beaumaris Baby changing facilities the Summer LL58 8AP 10am – 4pm Monday to Sunday in the Winter 25 Stanley Arms Male Toilet 10am – 1am Monday - 25 Stanley Street Female Toilet Sunday Holyhead LL65 1HL 26 The Old Boathouse Male toilet 9am - 11pm in the Red Wharf Bay Female toilet Summer LL75 8RJ Baby changing facilities 1am - 9pm in the Winter

27 The Owain Glyndŵr Male toilet 12 - 2pm, Monday - Llanddona Female toilet Friday Beaumaris 5pm -12am, Monday - LL58 8UF Friday 12pm - 12am, Saturday - Sunday 28 The Pilot Boat Inn Male toilet 11.30am - 11pm Dulas Female toilet Monday - Sunday LL70 9EX Baby changing facilities 29 Tafarn y Rhyd Male toilet 12pm - 12am in the Llangoed Female toilet Summer LL58 8NT Disabled toilet 5pm – 12am in the Winter 30 Trecastell Hotel Female Toilets 12pm - 12am Monday- Bull Bay Male Toilets Sunday Amlwch LL68 9SA 31 Ward Tudur Partnership Male toilet 9am - 5pm Monday - Hen Ysgol y British Female toilet Friday Bridge Street Disabled toilet

Llangefni LL77 7HL 32 The White Lion Hotel & Male toilet 8.30am - 11.30pm, Restaurant Female toilet Monday – Saturday Beaumaris Disabled toilet 8.30am – 10.30pm LL58 8DA Sunday 33 Venue Walkway Male toilet 8.30am – 11pm, 41-43 Market Street Female toilet Monday - Saturday Holyhead Disabled toilet LL65 1UN Baby changing facilities 34 Y Bedol Male toilet 4pm - 11.30pm Pensarn Female toilet Monday LL69 9YR 12pm - 11.30pm Tuesday - Sunday 35 Y Ganolfan Unisex toilet 9am - 5pm Monday - Llanbedrgoch Sunday LL76 8SQ

APPENDIX 3 – Results of the Scoring Process

Connecti Facilities on with Public Visitor Coastal 'A & B' Evaluation Location for the Blue Shoppers Transport Attraction Path Roads Total Disabled Flag Interface Beach Open all year ABERFFRAW New Site - Llys Llewelyn 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 AMLWCH Lon Goch 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 5 BEAUMARIS Archway 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 BEAUMARIS School Lane 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 BENLLECH Square 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 CEMAES High Street 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 HOLYHEAD Breakwater Park 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 LLANFAIRPWLL 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 LLANGEFNI Lon Y Felin 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 5 LLANNERCH-Y-MEDD 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 HOLYHEAD Penrhos Nature Reserve 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 RHOSNEIGR Car Park 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 HOLYHEAD SWIFT SQUARE 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 VALLEY Car Park 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 4 MENAI BRIDGE Library/Wood Street 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 Seasonal BENLLECH Wendon - Beach 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 5 BRYNSIENCYN 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 BULL BAY Car Park 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 CEMAES Beach Car Park 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 CHURCH BAY 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 LLANDDONA 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 LLANEILIAN 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 MENAI BRIDGE Bowling Green 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 MENAI BRIDGE Pier / St. Georges 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 6 MOELFRE Car Park 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 NEWBOROUGH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 HOLYHEAD NEWRY Beach 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 6 HOLYHEAD PENRHOS Beach 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 4 PORTH NOBLA Portaloo Ty Croes 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 PORTHDAFARCH 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 5 RED WHARF BAY 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 RHOSCOLYN / ELSAN TY CANOL 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 HOLYHEAD SOUTH STACK 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 TRAETH BYCHAN 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 TREARDDUR BAY 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 6 Closed AMLWCH Bull Bay Road / Dinorben Sq. 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 HOLYHEAD VICTORIA SQUARE 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 4

APPENDIX 4 – Comments of IoACC Property Section with identified options for each location proposed for closure

Property Registered Comments Dinorben Square, Amlwch NO Freehold ownership. Property may be suitable for conversion into a kiosk or similar lock-up premises. No development potential identified. Demolition would provide more car parking space. Brynsiencyn Car Park CYM494749 Freehold ownership with no restrictive covenants or conditions. No development potential identified. Demolition would provide more car parking space. High Street, Cemaes CYM467144 Freehold ownership with no restrictive covenants or conditions. Potential for development subject a marriage with land to the rear in private ownership. Penrhos Nature Reserve, Holyhead NO Freehold ownership. Property may be suitable for conversion into a kiosk or similar lock-up premises. No development potential identified. Site may have strategic value due to potential future developments at Penrhos. Penrhos Beach, Holyhead NO Freehold ownership. No development potential identified.

South Stack, Holyhead NO Freehold ownership. No development potential identified. RSPB may be interested in an asset transfer. Possible alternative location for Community Toilet Scheme at South Stack Café (owned by RSPB).

Victoria Square, Holyhead NO Leasehold. (Land owned by Stena Line Ports Limited). Use limited to that of a public convenience only. Under the terms of our lease we may terminate our agreement giving 6 months notice; and must remove the building, reinstate the site and boundary wall on termination. Maes Athen, Llanerchymedd NO Freehold ownership. No development potential identified. Demolition

would provide more car parking space. St George‟s Pier, Menai Bridge NO Freehold ownership. No development potential identified. Demolition would provide more car parking space. Church Street, Newborough NO Freehold ownership. Potential for development. Adjacent land also considered suitable for development and also within Council ownership. Menter Môn may be interested in the site in conjunction with the Llys Rhosyr site further up the road.

APPENDIX 5 – Equality Impact Assessment Template (EIA)

Equality Impact Assessment Template (EIA)

Start Date: October 2011 Completion Date:

Part A – Initial Equality Impact Assessment

1. What are you assessing? Future provision of public conveniences on Anglesey

This is a new Scrutiny investigation to consider all options available with regards to the future provision of public conveniences in order to propose viable solutions towards meeting a set 2. Is this a new or existing policy? revenue savings target of £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget as part of the Affordable Priorities Programme.

Following an agenda item relating to the future of public toilet provision on Anglesey during their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny 3. What are the aims and purpose of Committee agreed to convene a Scrutiny Review Panel to carry out an in-depth investigation this policy? into the options available to the Authority in meeting its set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget.

The provision of public toilets is one of the oldest municipal functions still in existence today; however, there is no statutory duty placed upon the local authority to provide this service. The Scrutiny Review Panel aim to investigate options available to meet set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget whilst not having a detrimental effect on the lives of the public.

4. Who is responsible for the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee: Scrutiny Review Panel. Working in policy/work you are assessing? partnership with the Waste Management Section as part of the Councils Affordable Priorities Programme.

5. Who is the Lead Officer for this Chief Waste Management Officer EIA?

6. Who else is involved in Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Review Panel undertaking this EIA?

7. Is the policy related to other policies/areas of work?

8. Who are the key stakeholders? A change in provision of public conveniences may affect the general public both directly and indirectly. Businesses and tourism on Anglesey may be affected indirectly.

9 - Is the policy relevant to the public sector general duty relating to

each equality characteristic?

ment

Age Disability Gender Gender Reassign & Pregnancy Maternity Race/Ethnicity or Nationality or Religion Belief Sexual Orientation

        eliminating discrimination and harassment in relation to:

        advancing equality of opportunity in relation to:

        promoting good relations and positive attitudes in relation to:

 encouraging participation in public life in relation to disability

In relation to disability only, does the policy take account of

difference, even if it involves treating some individuals more  favourably?

10 - Does this policy / area of work ensure equality for the Welsh and English languages in accordance with the Not applicable Council’s Language Scheme?

11 - Is there an opportunity through this policy / area of work to offer more opportunities for people to learn and / or Not applicable use the Welsh language on a day-to-day basis?

12 - What potential contribution does this policy / area of work make towards ensuring that the Island’s historical and Not applicable contemporary culture flourishes and prospers?

13 - Are there any Human Rights issues? Any change or reduction in service would not promote discrimination in the enjoyment of a specific right that is guaranteed in the European Convention of Human Rights If so, what are they?

(The 16 basic rights in the Human Rights Act – all taken from the European Convention of Human Rights – are listed at Appendix 1 to this document).

14 - What has been done to date in terms The Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Review Panel has been set up to ensure that of involvement and consultation with options have been thoroughly investigated. regard to this policy? The Isle of Anglesey County Council maintains a large stock of public toilets at a significant annual cost of approximately £340,000. This is a non-statutory service.

Following an agenda item relating to the future of public toilet provision on Anglesey during their meeting held on the 14th June, 2011 the Environment and Technical Services Scrutiny Committee 48

agreed to convene a Scrutiny Review Panel to carry out an in-depth investigation into the options available to the Authority in meeting its set target of saving £30,000 annually from the public conveniences budget whilst not having a detrimental effect on the lives of the public.

It is apparent that the provision of public toilets is one that can cause anxiety to a proportion of the public i.e. the elderly, the disabled etc. With this in mind the Panel needed to review all available evidence of current usage of the public toilets, cross referencing it against other locally available provision. Although a sensitive subject and one that is bound to cause a stir amongst the public were any decision to be made to close some toilet blocks it is a task which has been set under the Authority‟s Affordable Priorities Programme and must be addressed accordingly.

This Scrutiny Review Panel aims to identify and highlight these options as a way of streamlining the provision whilst not having a detrimental effect on people‟s lives.

15 - Are there any gaps in the information The Scrutiny Link and Support Officer is arranging for consultation sessions with officers collected to date? representing older people, younger people and people with disabilities.

If so, how will these be addressed?

Please list here details of any Information Gathered e.g. reports, statistics, web links etc that are relevant to your policy and/or the Equality Characteristics

Age Anglesey Life 2010 Affordable Priorities Programme – Isle of Anglesey County Council (2010/11);

Disability Isle of Anglesey County Council Disability Equality Consultation paper – Affordable Priorities Programme Plan and savings projects – Community Toilets, Isle of Anglesey County Council; Corporate Business Plan 2011/12, Isle of Anglesey Gender n/a County Council; A Code of Practice for Public Toilets in Britain - Dr. Gender Reassignment n/a Clara Greed, University of the West of England, Faculty of the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Pregnancy & Maternity Planning, Bristol, United Kingdom; The Age Manifesto for the National Assembly – Public Race (including Ethnicity n/a Toilets (Feb 2011) Age Cymru; and Nationality) 1936 Public Health Act; 2008 Sex Discrimination (amendment to regulation); Religion or Belief 1963 Public Lavatories Turnstiles Act; Sexual Orientation 2008 Sex Discrimination (amendment to regulation) 2008 Government publish Improving Public Access to Better Quality Toilets – A Strategic Guide Welsh Language n/a Government Paper on the Provision of Public Toilets (October 2008) – House of Commons; 1995 Disabled Discrimination Act; Human Rights Public Conveniences Policy, Isle of Anglesey County n/a Council; Review of Public Conveniences in Carmarthenshire – Environment Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group 2009/10, Carmarthenshire County Council; Government Paper on Public Conveniences (May 2010), House of Commons; Review the Provision of Public Toilets, (Sept. 2008), Cyngor Gwynedd

Equality Act 2010 (Statutory Duties) (Wales) Regulation 2011

Equality Strand Evidence: Potential Impact: Decision: Existing information to suggest Nature, profile, scale, cost, numbers Multiply ‘evidence’ score by ‘potential some groups affected. Gathered affected, significance. impact’ score. from Step 2 Insert one overall score (See Scoring Chart C) (See Scoring Chart A) (See Scoring Chart B) Age 3 -3 -9

Disability 3 -3 -9

Gender 1 0 0

Gender 1 0 0 Reassignment Pregnancy & 2 -2 -4 Maternity Race/Ethnicity or 1 0 0

Nationality Religion or Belief 2 -1 -2

Sexual 1 0 0 Orientation Welsh Language 1 0 0

Human Rights 1 0 0

Scoring Chart A: Evidence Available Scoring Chart B: Potential Impact Scoring Chart C: Impact Decision

3 Existing data/research -3 High negative -6 to -9 High Impact (H) 2 Anecdotal/awareness data only -2 Medium negative -3 to -5 Medium Impact (M) 1 No evidence or suggestion -1 Low negative -1 to -2 Low Impact (L) 0 No impact 0 No Impact (N) +1 Low positive 1 to 9 Positive Impact (P) +2 Medium positive +3 High positive

51 PART A – Step 4 – Outcome of Initial Equality Impact Assessment

Is the outcome of the Yes / No Initial assessment to proceed to full Equality Record Reasons for Decision: Impact Assessment? Two groups (Age & Disability) have been identified as potentially having a „high negative‟ (-9) impact upon them with the possible outcome of the investigation whilst another (Pregnancy and Maternity) has been identified as potentially having a „medium negative‟ (-4) impact placed upon them. If no, are there any issues to be addressed? Record Details:

If you have decided that a full Equality Impact Assessment is required, please proceed to Part B on the next page.

If your decision is not to proceed to a Full Equality Impact Assessment, please proceed to Part C - Outcome Report.

52 PART B – Step 1: Examine the information gathered so far

1. Do you have adequate information? Yes – a number of various pieces of research have been identified relating to the impact that the public convenience Refer to Part A, Step 2 : Information Gathering for provision has on society. A number of legislation has also assistance been identified providing further evidence.

2. Can you proceed with the Policy during EIA? No – Final decision will be made by the Board of Commissioners. It is vital that any potential impact is identified and minimised

3. Does the information collected relate to all equality Yes (to all relevant strands) strands?

Responses of local consultation exercise with identified groups; 4. What additional information (if any) is required? Results of any historic consultation exercises undertaken by relevant stakeholders. How are you going to collect any additional A consultation exercise will be undertaken targeting identified groups i.e. the elderly, disabled, parents with 5. information needed? young children including pregnant mothers, and young State which representative bodies or other people. This will b done through already established forums organisations or individuals you will be liaising or on the island through identified bodies i.e. Age Cymru, engaging with in order to achieve this Genesis, Isle of Anglesey County Council‟s Social Services Department and Llais Ni Youth Forum.

PART B – Step 2: Judge/assess the potential impact

Detail below whether you have identified any positive/adverse/neutral impact for any of the following groups:

Degree of Potential

Equality Key Equalities Legislation Impact: Comments Strand/Group or Policy High (H)

Medium (M) Positive Adverse Low (L)

Age Closure of any facilities can adversely affect the elderly who rely on public facilities when out and  H about keeping active. Seen as a means to maintain their dignity with reducing continence due to age

Disability Closure of any facilities can adversely affect the  H disabled who rely on public facilities when out and about as they have good access points.

Gender Equality Act 2010 Gender

Reassignment

Pregnancy & Closure of any facilities can adversely affect the Maternity parents of young children (may have to find a  M toilet at short notice) and those who are pregnant who may find themselves having to use the toilet on a more regular basis during this period

Race

Religion/Belief Closure of any facilities may adversely affect people of varying religious beliefs as they may  L feel unable to use alternative provision on offer in establishments such as public houses etc. due to their beliefs.

Sexual Orientation

Welsh Language Welsh Language Act 1993

Human Rights Human Rights Act 1998

Consider any alternatives to the policy which will reduce, eliminate or mitigate any adverse impact (as identified in Step 2)

In order to combat the adverse effects that may be felt by the closure of any public convenience the Isle of Anglesey County Council is part of the Welsh Government 1. Describe any mitigating actions taken to funded Community Toilet Grant Scheme. reduce negative/adverse impact The Welsh Government (WG) sponsored Community Toilet Grant Scheme started in 2009/10 and provided Local Authorities with grant funding of £17,500 annually to repay businesses who allow public access to their toilets.

At the current time of writing the Isle of Anglesey County Council is at capacity with 35 businesses across the Island offering this additional „private‟ toilet provision service to members of the public. Each participating organisation receives an annual recompense payment of £500 for providing this service. The scheme has proved very popular and opportunities to expand the service further are continuously being explored. It should be noted that no certainty exists with regards to the future funding of this specific WG sponsored grant.

In February of this year, Age Cymru‟s Director of Influencing and Programme Development, Victoria Lloyd stated “Programmes such as the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Toilet Grant Scheme - which encourages private companies to enable the public to use their toilet facilities - can be part of a sustainable solution to toilet provision. It also demonstrates that making sure toilets are available in our communities does not need to cost significant sums of money.

The Community Toilet Scheme is a great example of how joined up thinking and collaborative working between local authorities and private businesses can benefit everyone in society”.

2. Is there a strategy for dealing with any As above unavoidable but not unlawful negative impacts that cannot be mitigated?

Better advertisement of the establishments that are part of the above scheme is required with clearer signage to be displayed at each location 3. Describe any actions taken to maximise the identifying them as welcoming to the public. opportunity to promote equality, i.e.: changes to the Policy, regulation, guidance, In order to ensure that the establishments are accessible to all a wide communication, monitoring or review range of businesses have been identified to formulate the 35 „private‟ toilets including public houses, cafes, florists, baby equipment shops, community centres etc.

4. What changes to the Policy have been made as That further work is required on ensuring that the public both resident to the a result of conducting this EIA? island and visitors are made aware of this additional provision being provided through partnership by the Local Authority and local businesses.

Organisation: Isle of Anglesey County Council