Labour councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council have tabled amendments aimed at preventing a proposed £10,000 reduction to the council’s public toilet contract. This cut forms part of a broader proposal to save £250,000 across the council’s 25 largest external contracts.
The council has stressed that the 2% reduction from the £5 million public toilet budget will not impact service quality. However, Labour argues that even a small cut undermines essential facilities — especially given last year’s unanimous call to review Bath’s “very few and far between” public toilets, criticized for their inadequacy and the distress they cause elderly residents.
Bath tour guide Ed Browning, who brought attention to the issue in July, joined Labour members in expressing concern at a cabinet meeting on February 12. He stated, “A potential £10,000 cut might seem small, but didn’t we agree on the need for investment?” Browning highlighted that of the 20 toilets funded by B&NES, 16 are not free and close overnight, an embarrassment for a top UK tourist destination.
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In response, Cabinet Member for Resources Mark Elliott emphasized, “There will be no reduction in public convenience service due to this budget saving.” He framed the measure as a standard business practice aimed at securing better value from suppliers, not cutting services.
Paul Roper, cabinet member responsible for public toilets, acknowledged the high operational costs linked to vandalism and maintenance but confirmed efforts to expand toilet provision are underway.
Beyond public toilets, Labour’s amendments also seek to shield contracts held by charities and voluntary organizations from budget cuts. They argue that large commercial firms can better negotiate contract terms, whereas smaller third-sector groups risk disproportionate reductions, threatening social care and educational services for vulnerable residents.
Additionally, Labour proposes exploring expansions to the discovery card scheme, potentially introducing resident discounts on more council services or a paid “city pass” for tourists. Earlier plans for a small charge on discovery cards were abandoned following public backlash.
Within the 59-seat council, the Liberal Democrats hold a dominant 39 seats, with Labour as the main opposition at six seats. Facing rising social care costs and reduced government funding, the council’s draft budget includes a proposed maximum 4.99% council tax increase, intending to invest more in prevention and reduce long-term care dependency.
Mark Elliott highlighted, “Our residents already pay among the lowest council tax rates in the South West, yet this budget avoids the severe service cuts other authorities face.”
The full council will meet at Bath’s Guildhall on February 24 at 6:30 pm to debate and vote on the 2026/27 budget and proposed tax increase.