Campaigners are urging the Government to press ahead with creating a champion for older people after Ministers indicated they would consider the idea. Organisations including Age UK and Independent Age are urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England, which they say would ensure the voice of pensioners is heard.
The Government has now said it will consider how a similar role that already exists in Wales is benefitting older people.However it also suggested that any new “champions” might be appointed at regional or local levels, rather than covering the whole of England.
Morgan Vine, Director of Policy, Grants and Influencing at Independent Age, said: “We welcome the commitment to look further into a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England but now need to see timely action on this. The creation of this role would bring England in line with Wales and Northern Ireland, where Commissioners have been vital in representing those in later life, driving practical solutions such as the take-up of financial support and protecting bus passes.
Commissioners make a real impact on the lives of older people in financial hardship, who are having a very difficult time now.They need an independent champion as soon as possible to advocate for them and amplify their voices.”
The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee had called on Ministers to look at the work of the Commissioner for Older People in Wales and consider whether to appoint one in England. The Government has now published its response to the Committee.
It said: “The Government believes that the Equality Act 2010 already provides a strong framework for protecting older people from discrimination in a variety of settings and indeed actively promotes positive initiatives, for example by allowing services and opportunities to be offered at discounted prices for those of pension age.
“We will however consider the experience and effectiveness of the Commissioner for Older people in Wales, including any evaluation, lessons learned or other evidence of impact and effectiveness. This will inform thinking in due course on any further action that might be taken in England, including the possible use of Older People’s Champions at local or regional levels. “
There are 11 million people aged 65 or over, and this is expected to rise to 17 million by 2040.
Campaigners say a commissioner could help ensure institutions like the NHS and social care adapt to the rising number of elderly people.
