Wales to get Commissioner for Older People

Tuesday, 7 December 2004 12:00 AM

Wales is to get a new champion for older people - if the Government gets its legislation through parliament.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, announced today that he would be presenting a draft Bill which will establish a Commissioner for Older People for Wales.

The position is anticipated to follow the format of the existing Children's Commissioner and has been strongly welcomed by older peoples' campaign groups like Help the Aged. There is even the suggestion that it might be the first such position in the world.

However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have suggested it is just a "gimmick" pointing out that the likely general election will mean a shorter parliamentary session, and so there may be little time for the bill to become law.

Speaking today Mr Hain said: "The Commissioner for Older People will champion their rights and dignity, protect them from discrimination and prejudice and provide an input to influence future Government policies for older people."

He added that the bill - which arises from proposals by the Welsh Assembly shows "partnership working between the Assembly and the UK Government".

According to official figures, Wales has over half a million older people - proportionally more than other parts of the UK - and over the next 20 years the number of over 60s is expected to rise by 11 per cent.

Mr Hain added that Wales "already has a Minister for Older People, John Griffiths, and the appointment of a Commissioner for Older People will ensure that the best interests in the large and growing section of our communities is truly represented".

If the Government's timetable for the bill proceeds as hoped the first commissioner could be appointed in 2007.

Responding, Ana Palaz n of Help the Aged Wales said she fully welcomed the announcement as "yet another landmark for Wales." She added: "We will endeavour to work with the Welsh Assembly Government and to ensure the proposed timetable for a fully independent and statutory commissioner is fulfilled."

The move was also welcomed by Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyn. Saying the decision was "incredibly important" he also urged the Government to learn from the process of setting up the Children's Commissioner, saying: "It is crucial that the new Commissioner is responsible for all matters relating to older people in Wales and not just matters that are devolved, as is currently the case for the Children's Commissioner."

But, the Welsh Liberal Democrat's suggested that the position was a "distraction" from the more pressing problems facing older people. Health spokesperson Kirsty Williams, said: "An older persons' commissioner is not a bad idea in principle, but it should not be a priority for Wales. Instead of this legislation, it would be better if the Wales Office spent its time on legislation to give the Assembly the power to introduce free personal care. This announcement is more about securing Peter Hain's status as the de facto First Minister, rather than helping older people."

She added that: "Rather than creating someone that older people can complain to, Labour should be improving services they receive. One way of doing this would be to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and invest in free personal care for those in greatest need."

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