A motion aimed at improving toilet access in Newham was deferred to the next council meeting, scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026. The decision was made during the Newham Council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Ren Tilbury and seconded by Councillor Matthew Carlile, sought to address the critical need for accessible, clean, and safe toilet provision for all residents. It highlighted significant challenges with current toilet access in Newham, noting that public toilets across the borough [have been] shut down over the past years, leaving limited facilities available,
a concern repeatedly raised by residents.
Furthermore, the motion argued that sex-segregated facilities limit the ability of council to provide services, adding cost to any potential venue by doubling the number of spaces required at a minimum.
It also pointed out that such segregation can limit access further
during periods of heavy traffic and frequently imposes additional duties on individuals of a particular sex, for example by only providing baby change facilities within women's bathrooms.
The proposers believe that an improvement to accessibility for one is an improvement for all,
benefiting residents with medical or mobility issues, parents, carers, the very young, and the very old.
Councillor Tilbury and Councillor Carlile envision several improvements, including the creation of gender-neutral facilities in all public buildings, a review of current provision to reduce geographic 'dead spots' of underservice
through targeted investment, and clear, cost-free signage for available facilities. They also plan to encourage businesses to make their facilities available to the public without prejudice.
The motion also expressed strong opposition to proposed revisions to the Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). These revisions are seen as designed to create a hostile environment for gender non-conforming individuals using the space of their choice.
The motion states that if implemented, the guidance could mean that individuals whose assigned gender at birth does not match their current identity or presentation can now be actively policed out of spaces they need for the most basic of functions.
It is argued that the revisions risk forcing trans people out of public facilities, community spaces or workplaces
and are inconsistent with Newham's values of equality, inclusion and respect.
Councillor John Gray requested the deferral of the motion, stating, I think we are really nearly there, but what I would formally ask for this to be deferred for further discussion and come back to the next meeting is really important. And it is, you know, we need to consult with group as well about this amendment.
While Councillor Tilbury was initially unwilling to defer, the council ultimately agreed to postpone the decision to allow for further discussion and consultation, particularly with internal council groups, before the motion is revisited at the next meeting.
