Darlington MP Peter Gibson attended an event on Monday 17 April in Westminster to discuss the need for an independent champion for older people and ageing.
The event was hosted by Rachael Maskell MP on behalf of charities Independent Age, Age UK, the Centre for Ageing Better and campaigning organisation the National Pensioners Convention. Together, the organisations are calling for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England.
The role 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 campaign has the backing of more than 70 other organisations who have signed a consensus statement.
Currently 11 million people in England are aged 65 or over and in less than 20 years, this number will be over 17 million (1 in 4).
In Darlington there are an estimated 24,165 people aged 60 and over, which includes those approaching State Pension age.
Darlington ranks number 169 out of 533 constituencies in England, for those aged 60 or over who experience income deprivation.
According to the latest data from Census 2021, there are 8326 households in Darlington with someone aged 65 or over living with poor health or with a disability.
The charities calling for a Commissioner say that despite the ageing population, for too long older people have been tarred with ageist stereotypes which can stop people from getting the support they need.
Speaking after the event, Peter Gibson MP said:
“Today’s event highlighted the range of issues older people are experiencing from money worries to being excluded from basic services.
“It is important for everyone in Darlington to feel they have a voice, and that their voice will be represented and listened to across government.
“No one should be left out of the conversation as they age, especially as we strive to make the UK the best place in the world to grow old.”
If created, a Commissioner in England would encourage collaboration and joined-up thinking to deliver policy solutions that benefit everyone as they age. They would make independent recommendations and have the power to launch inquiries to resolve issues for older people now and in the future.
Representatives from Independent Age, Age UK, the Centre for Ageing Better and the National Pensioners Convention, said:
“We’re really pleased that Peter Gibson MP came along to find out more about this important campaign.
“We all hope to grow older, and we all need a champion at the heart of government who will stand up for everyone in later life. We urge the government to appoint a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing, to meet the needs of older people both now and in the future.”
