Published: 21 November 2008
They make up a big Voting Block
Minister for Pensions and Ageing Society Rosie Winterton has welcomed the publication of a review of how the Government currently engages with older people.
John Elbourne, former Chief Executive for Prudential Assurance, was asked in May, by the former Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien, to examine whether older people are currently able to inform Government policy and actions at all levels.
Rosie Winterton said:
"I would like to thank John Elbourne for the considerable amount of work he has put into his review and for his final report.
"I want to ensure that everyone with an interest in this important area has an opportunity to provide thoughts and views on John's findings and recommendations. Therefore, I am asking people to send their comments to us over the next two months and I will consider all of them carefully before giving my response to the report."
The main recommendations of the review are:
* Establishing a national advisory forum for older people, to be chaired or co-chaired by the lead Minister for older people and supported by regional advisory forums
* Enhancing the role that regional Government Offices play in supporting and developing engagement with older people
* Setting up regional forums to support local authorities to develop effective engagement strategies so that a truly diverse range of older people's voices can be heard
* Building on the support for older people's forums around the UK, including the Older People's Advisory Groups
* The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) should fund Better Government for Older People, at current levels, until the end of March 2009
Comments on the review should be submitted to DWP by 9 January 2009 and the Government will respond by 30 January 2009.
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