LETTERS – Time for a commissioner

On Monday, April 17, politicians from all parties backed the National Pensioners’ Convention in WestmiNster to call for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing at a special briefing.
More than 75 charities and organisations have now signed our Consensus Statement with Independent Age, Ageing Better and Age UK to seek better representation for older people across government-policy making.
They are backed by a number of older celebrities in a special video by national treasures such as DJ Tony Blackburn, World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst, actor Don Warrington, former Strictly Come Dancing judge, Arlene Philips and chef Rustie Lee.
MPs from all parties attended the drop-in event, including former Conservative leader Ian Duncan Smith, former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, long-term Labour member Virendra Sharma, and Peer Lord George Foulkes.
NPC general secretary Jan Shortt said: “It was extremely positive to see a mix of MPs from all parties. It demonstrates the need to move our campaign forward for Older People & Ageing in England. This role will ensure that older people are no longer invisible, have a strategic contribution to make to the future of our country, and are respected and valued for their lived experiences.”
Currently 11 million people in England are aged 65. In less than 20 years, over 17 million (1/4) people will be over 65. If appointed, a Commissioner would ensure that the long-term needs of people in later life and the challenges faced by the population as they age are considered in policy and practice across all government departments.
The growth in pensioner poverty, the cost of living crisis, health and social care, pensioners’ rights, inclusion-digital, social and economic are all concerns that a Commissioner could flag to government and policy leaders.
It’s shocking that so many people are struggling at the moment as for so many older people a hot meal has become an unaffordable luxury.
We need someone looking out for them, that is why I am happy to support the call for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing.
I hope that while many people are busy with the local government elections that all our candidates that will become our local representatives and leaders will be supporting this call in the future.
Rodney Sadd
Supporter of NPC
Crowland