British public don’t believe Government is prepared for ageing demographic
Ready for Ageing Alliance encourages political leaders to take action
The Government is simply not ready to deal with demographic change, according to a poll of more than 2,200 UK adults.
Over three quarters (77 per cent) of people said the Government was not ready for the impact of an ageing population, and 76 per cent went on to say that there should be one individual in the Cabinet responsible for ensuring Government is preparing for our ageing society.
The poll, conducted by not-for-profit older people’s housing and care provider Anchor also found that 84 per cent of people think that more needs to be done to educate people about planning for and paying for care.
With the Conservative party conference due to start tomorrow (Sunday 29 September) the Ready for Ageing Alliance, of which Anchor is a founding member, has intensified its call for Government to plan for our ageing population.
Anchor’s Chief Executive Jane Ashcroft commented: “With crucial discussions taking place this week that will shape future policy, we want to remind the Government that dealing effectively with demographic change won’t just benefit the older people of today, but is crucial for a happier old age for future generations.
“We ask Government to prove to the public that they can future-proof policy. 137,000 people signed Anchor’s petition for a Minister for Older People. Government cannot bury its head in the sand on the issue.”
The Ready for Ageing Alliance consists of eight of the UK’s leading charities; Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Anchor, Carers UK, the Centre for Policy on Ageing, Independent Age, the International Longevity Centre - UK and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The aim of the alliance is to ensure that the UK is prepared for the opportunities and challenges of an ageing society. The Ready for Ageing Alliance will have a presence at the Conservative party conference, encouraging political figures to discuss ideas on dealing with demographic change.
The Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change reported in March that government is “woefully underprepared” for our ageing society.
A debate on their report is due to take place in the House of Lords on 17 October.
For more information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please call 020 7025 7586 or 07838 163 369 and ask to speak to Beth Milsom, Kelly Mortlock or Victoria Mayman or email anchorteam@grayling.com.
Notes to editors
Research methodology
The research for Anchor was carried out by Opinion Matters between: 25. 07.2013 and 02. 08.2013 Sample: 2, 271 UK adults aged 16-64
If journalists are interested in meeting to discuss the Alliance, please contact Lyndsey Mitchell or Jessica Watson on events@ilcuk.org.uk with your preferred date and time.