SNP panned by rivals over public toilet funding after a THIRD axed across Scotland under Nats
THE number of public loos in Scotland has fallen by a third under the SNP, rivals said last night.
The total has plunged from 521 to 355 since the Nats came to power in 2007, sparking claims it could stop people going out or fuel urinating on streets.
Lib Dem bosses flushed out the figures using freedom of information requests to Scotland’s 32 councils.
Among the 19 who responded, three areas — Clackmannanshire, East Dunbartonshire and South Lanarkshire — had no public toilets in 2022.
Lib Dem communities spokesman Willie Rennie claimed it was an example of how cash-strapped local authorities have become unable to provide facilities.
He said: “These figures show the cost to communities of a decade and a half of SNP underfunding.
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“Toilets are not just about public convenience. For some, the lack of accessible bathrooms can prevent them from enjoying public spaces, while in other areas it has become an invitation to public urination.
“That’s a sad state of affairs, but it is an inevitable consequence of the decisions that successive SNP administrations have taken.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats want a substantial programme of capital works to provide more public toilets, alongside better car parking, electric charging points and waste disposal points.
“There also needs to be a commitment from the Government not to treat local authorities as simply subservient bodies which can live off the scraps of the budget.
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“Councils need long-term funding deals and the power to invest in their communities.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We recognise the challenge local councils face in delivering services and maintaining facilities.
“We found an extra £570million for councils for 2023-24 on top of last year’s budget allocations.
“It is up to local authorities to decide how to best allocate their budgets to meet local priorities.”
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