Ken Livingstone wants a dedicated Minister for Older People

London mayoral candidate, Ken Livingstone, has pledged his support for Anchor’s Grey Pride campaign, which is calling on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People.

On the day of the Commons debate of the so-called “granny tax”, Labour candidate for Mayor Ken Livingstone met with residents of Anchor's Greenhive care home in Peckham, to discuss his manifesto for valuing older Londoners, and to pledge his support for Anchor’s Grey Pride campaign.

Following the visit, Greenhive manager, Connie Oppong said: “We really enjoyed showing Ken Livingstone around our care home of which we are very proud.

“The customers liked asking him questions and getting direct answers about issues that concern them: the so-called granny tax, how cuts are affecting health services, especially for people with dementia, and transport costs.

“I also spoke to him about the Grey Pride campaign which is calling for a Minister for Older People. He said he wholeheartedly supported this campaign.

“He was so impressed. He said that he wished that every care home across the country was like Greenhive. He said that when he reached the age of our customers, he would like to live in a home like ours. It made me and my team very happy to hear such praise.”

Speaking on his plans for valuing older Londoners Ken Livingstone said: “I want to make sure that older Londoners gain the respect that they deserve after decades of contributing to society.

“Supporting Anchor's Grey Pride campaign is a part of this; calling on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People will ensure that today's older Londoners, and future generations, can look forward to happy and dignified lives."

Anchor's Grey Pride campaign, attracted more than 137,000 petition signatures, and was delivered to Downing Street in November 2011. Anchor is a charity and England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care to older people.