Full text of the motion to Oldham Council from the Liberal Democrats

The motion to the full meeting of Oldham Council (Wednesday September 9) reads:

Not every Disability is Visible

This Council notes that:

• The charity Crohn's and Colitis UK is encouraging venues providing accessible public toilets to install new signage. This is to help stop stigma and discrimination towards people with 'invisible illnesses' such as Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.
• There have been instances nationally where such individuals using an accessible toilet have been accused by staff members of being ineligible to use them.
• These signs have two standing figures and a wheelchair user with the words Accessible Toilet and the logo 'Not every disability is visible'.
• The Government has decided recently that large accessible toilets for severely disabled people - known as Changing Places - will be made compulsory for large new buildings, such as shopping centres, supermarkets, sports and arts venues, in England from 2021.

Council resolves to:

• Ensure that accessible toilets on Council premises bear these signs.
• Ask town and district centre retailers and leisure outlets to do likewise with their accessible public toilets.
• Seek advice from the charity Crohn's and Colitis UK on the information and training we should provide to Council Staff members. This is so they understand these illnesses and to prevent potential embarrassment for those who suffer with them.
• Ensure that any Changing Places toilets in our buildings are properly signposted for visitors.
• Ensure that the requirement to provide new Changing Place toilets is included within the Council's future plans for new public buildings in the Borough.

Proposed by:

Councillor Louie Hamblett

Seconded by:

Councillor Hazel Gloster

The motion was agreed to be sent to the councils Overview and Scrutiny Panel for further consideration.

You can also watch the motion from last night live virtual council meeting: https://youtu.be/t9gvh0vTheQ?t=7708