Reacting to a report from the Women and Equalities Committee on ‘The rights of older people’, Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
“It is fantastic news that the voices of older people have been heard by the Women and Equalities Committee. We welcome the committee’s recommendation that the UK Government should look to the experience of Wales, which has a Commissioner for Older People, and consider how to give older people a voice in policy making in England.
“At Independent Age, older people have told us that they feel ignored and like their voice doesn’t matter. People in later life who are facing financial hardship desperately need an independent advocate with the power to make change. A Commissioner for Older People and Ageing would not only amplify the voices of today’s older people, but tomorrow’s: a pressing issue in an ageing society.
“We hope that the UK Government acts on the recommendations of the Committee and seriously considers creating a commissioner role in England, to mirror Wales and Northern Ireland. This role would help ensure that the diverse community that exists in later life is heard, support businesses and public services to meet older people’s needs and would have the power to bring together UK Government departments.
“We are also pleased to see the Committee recommending that the UK Government works to increase awareness and promotion of social tariffs for broadband. The research that we presented to the Committee showed that almost half of older people on a low income (48%) had struggled keeping up with their broadband bills over the past six months. With being online an important part of how we now find information, shop, and stay in touch with loved ones, the UK Government should make sure older people on a low income can access these services through working to increase uptake of broadband social tariffs.”