'Human rights' plea over toilet closures

A HUMAN rights approach to budgeting should be considered by Highland Council, especially regarding its controversial plan to close public toilets according to an SNP MSP.

The plea is being made by Caithness, Sutherland and Ross politician Gail Ross, who has contacted the local authority about her suggestion.

Mrs Ross also raised the issue during a meeting of the Scottish Parliament's equalities and human rights committee at Holyrood.

She says it became clear many councils in Scotland put human rights and equalities at the heart of their budgeting process. However, that is not the approach adopted by Highland Council.

Mrs Ross said: "Having raised issues with the council regarding their approach to considering equalities and human rights in their budget process, particularly around the closure of public toilets, it was encouraging to hear that many councils around Scotland have placed such an approach at the heart of their budgeting. Unfortunately, Highland Council appears not to have.

"As a result, I have written to them to ask them to give further consideration to this approach, especially when the committee has heard how well this works in other areas."

She added: "While the Highland Council representative did note that there was engagement with the third sector, communities and citizen panels for budgeting in the past, I am concerned that engagement, dialogue and meaningful consultation did not happen in the run-up to the budget process for this financial year.

"I'm concerned that we are now close to the budget being presented to council and meaningful engagement has still not taken place."

Highland Council plans to close 29 of its 96 public toilets to save £338,000 a year but opponents claim the move could lead to a visitor boycott.

Campaigners delivered a 14,641-signature petition to Highland Council last month and claimed the proposal has already impacted the tourism sector. They say the closure of the toilets would have an environmental and economic impact. A coach tour firm cancelled a booking over concern for its customers needing comfort breaks.

As previously reported, local businessman Andrew Mackay said the threat of toilet closures in Caithness could create "a negative impression" of the area and impact on the number of people visiting.

Mr Mackay, who has hotels in Wick, Thurso and Castletown and is a board member of the tourism body Venture North, said: "The perception that there is a shortage of toilets in Caithness – and elsewhere in the Highlands – could impact adversely on the area.

"Any negative publicity could have an effect on the industry. We have a short season and need to capitalise on all markets."

Green MSP John Finnie recently accused the council of pressing ahead with the closure of toilets in the face of its own evidence that it could have an impact on public health. An equality impact assessment conducted into the proposals identified issues for older people, those with disabilities and pregnant women.

Mr Finnie said: "Despite this, the council leadership are determined to press ahead in their usual incoherent manner, ignoring procedures, policies and good practice.

"Given the clear implications for public health, and potential for increased instances of public nuisance, it is astonishing that the council has not discussed this matter with NHS Highland and Police Scotland."