People in Scotland are being asked to give their views on proposals to boost the provision of sanitary facilities for disabled people.

A Scottish Government consultation was launched on Monday and focuses on whether there should be legislation to help ensure facilities designed for people with complex care needs are available.

The change would mean that certain types of new buildings would be required to have changing places toilets (CPTs) available under revised building standards.

CPTs offer larger, supported facilities which support people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate.

There are currently around 200 CPTs across Scotland but there is no legislation requiring their provision within buildings.

Minister for local government, housing and planning Kevin Stewart described the consultation as “extremely important”.

Mr Stewart said: “These changes to building standards will improve the lives of thousands of families who are severely restricted by a lack of facilities and, as a result, find themselves excluded from their communities and travel.

“I strongly encourage people to take part in this extremely important consultation.”

Jenny Miller, chief executive at charity Promoting A More Inclusive Society (PAMIS), said: “PAMIS are delighted that the Scottish Government are leading the UK in consulting about a change in Scottish building standards that will ensure more changing places toilets are available in public buildings and spaces.

“This will enable some of the most excluded people within our society to be able to access their communities and take part in activities that most of us take for granted.”

The consultation will close on May 13 this year.