Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay’s campaign to see operators of public toilets get much needed relief from business rates has met success after legislation to exempt them from 100% of business rates today passed its second reading in the House of Commons.

Commenting, Steve said:

“The passage of this bill marks the end of my 8 year personal mission, since I was the Cornwall Council Cabinet Member responsible for public toilets in 2012, to see public toilets made exempt from rates. I am delighted to see it pass through the important second reading in the House of Commons today.”

“This is a sensible and common-sense solution that will provide public toilet operators, often hard working Parish and Town Councils, 100% business rates relief, backdated to 1 April 2020.”

“With so many town and parish councils across Cornwall already working so hard to get their toilets reopened safely for the summer season following the COVID-19 lockdown, this will help these vital facilities stay open, and make it easier for local residents and tourists to access them.”