SPENDING A penny is becoming more difficult as public loos are being closed and for those that are open, it usually costs at least 20 pence.

Powys County Council (PCC) is holding a consultation as it aims to publish a Public Toilet Strategy by the end of May next year,

Part 8 of the Public Health Wales Act  which came into force on May 31 this year expects each county council in Wales to prepare and publish a local toilets strategy for its area.

Although there is no requirement for county councils to provide and maintain public toilets directly.

As part of the strategy, PCC will need to map out the provision in the county and then consider where any gaps are and what can be done to resolve this.

In Powys, many of the toilets have been taken over by town and community groups.

It is possible that toilet facilities in shops, pubs or restaurants could be used as public conveniences.

This already  happens in other parts of Wales.

A spokesman for Powys CC said: "We have begun to map out provision, but we are also keen to find out residents' views on the state of public toilets and where there may be gaps.

"There is no budget from the Welsh Government to create or improve the provision of public toilets.

"The onus is on highlighting where  public toilets facilities already exist so people can find them easier.

"Where people highlight gaps it is about considering further options and collaborating with communities and businesses to meet these needs.

"Some people with long term health conditions may feel unable or reluctant to leave their homes because they fear they will not be able to find a public toilet.

"While parents/carers of young children will often need to find a toilet at short notice."

The consultation comes to an end on Sunday, November 11, and the strategy will need to be published by May 31, 2019.

It is expected  that The Welsh Government will collect all the information and produce a digital map and app so that people can find out where the nearest public toilets are at the touch of a button.