Whitby council plans to take direct control of public toilets

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

Whitby Town Council is considering bringing its public toilets back under direct control when the current management contract expires in July 2027. The move aims to save money, improve standards and give the authority greater control over a service that has struggled financially for years. The council operates six public toilet blocks at New Quay Road, Pier Road, West Cliff, Abbey Headland, Market Place and Ruswarp.

A council review concluded the toilets had become a financial drain despite generating annual income of between £179,000 and £228,000. The council spent £85,923 more than it received from the facilities between 2018 and 2024, with the review finding the toilets had "never made a profit" and had "never been cost neutral". Preliminary financial analysis suggested running the facilities in-house could offer benefits over extending or retendering the current arrangement.

Councillors have approved a £24,545 survey programme covering the council's six public toilet blocks and other council-owned properties as part of the planning process.

How it is being reported

• Major changes planned for Whitby's public toilets next summerPublic toilets in Whitby could be brought back into public control as soon as next summer after years of losses, councillors have said.The Press (York) · 15 Oct, 20:00
• Major changes planned for Whitby's public toilets next summerPublic toilets in Whitby could be brought back into public control as soon as next summer after years of losses, councillors have said.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 15 Oct, 20:00

In this story: Whitby Town Council · Whitby · North Yorkshire

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