Hampstead Heath ponds to stay trans-inclusive

Hampstead Heath's bathing ponds will stay trans-inclusive, with new upgrades focused on giving women more privacy, City of London Corporation councillors have said.

Members have approved recommendations in principle to retain the existing access arrangements, alongside plans for a wider programme of works. A final decision is due on 4 June.

The existing arrangements for the Ladies' Pond stipulate it is available for use by biological and trans women, with the reverse true for the Men's.

The Corporation said this has been the case since at least 2017 and was consistent with the previous interpretation of the Equality Act 2010.

Following the Supreme Court judgement in 2024 that "sex" under equalities law refers to biological rather than certified sex, members agreed to review the policy.

A consultation run last year, which received more than 38,000 responses, suggested overwhelming support for maintaining the existing arrangements. Just 13% said they wanted the Men's and Ladies' ponds to become strictly single-sex spaces.

Some doubts have been cast over the results, including by campaign group Sex Matters, which described the number of respondents as "extraordinary".

The charity is also pursuing a legal challenge against the Corporation's policy, with a hearing expected in the second half of the year.

Officers also recommended a series of improvements to the three bathing ponds, including upgrades to changing, showering and toilet facilities at a cost of up to £1m.

Introducing the item at Tuesday's committee, executive director of environment Katie Stewart said the works at the Ladies' Pond would ensure those wanting to change privately were able to. Final funding and timings are due to go before members in July.

Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, previously said the Corporation's proposed policy "is simply unlawful".