Prime Minister agrees to look into improving protection of older and disabled people from abuse

Prime Minister, David Cameron has committed to looking again at proposals to strengthen legislation aimed at protecting older and vulnerable people from neglect and abuse.

The commitment was given to a delegation including Action on Elder Abuse, a charity working to protect older and vulnerable people from further incidents of abuse and neglect, such as those seen in the Winterbourne View and Mid Staffordshire scandals.

Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of Action on elder Abuse said: "We are pleased that the Prime Minister has recognised the importance of the changes we are proposing, and will look again at how legislation can be improved. Thousands of older people are abused each year and theirs is a silent scream of pain and suffering.

“We need to hear it and address it. There should be no hiding place for abusers. No one should profit from abuse. This has to end."

The proposals to be considered by Mr Cameron include allowing local authorities to carry out a confidential interview with a vulnerable adult even when a third party is denying access to the person.

Although only to be used as a last resort, accessed through a magistrate’s court, the proposed change to legislation would ensure a believed case of abuse or neglect is detected and acted upon.

In order to sanction home or care agencies which allow a culture of abuse and neglect, an introduction of a new offence of Corporate Neglect will also be reviewed by the Prime Minister.

The proposals called for an offence of ill-treatment or neglect to extend protection to vulnerable adults who have mental capacity.

The delegation presenting the proposals for consideration was led by former minister of social care at the Department of Health Paul Burstow MP, who said: "Older people see the terrible abuse in Winterbourne View, the neglect at Mid Staffs, and the stories about poor care in some care homes and ask why no one ever goes to jail.

“These shocking stories are just the tip of the iceberg as most abuse is out of sight and out of mind. The Prime Minister should use the Care Bill to toughen up the law and send a powerful message that abusing and neglecting older and vulnerable people won't go undetected and unpunished."

The delegation included Sarah Rochira, Older People's Commissioner for Wales, and Action on Elder Abuse patron, Baroness Greengross.

Mencap has welcomed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of vulnerable people against further cases of abuse and neglect.

Emma Harrison, assistant director said: “Not only must people with a learning disa-bility be better protected from abuse, but when abuse happens those responsible must be properly held to account. Not only will this send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated, but it will help ensure justice for those who have been abused and their families.”

“We welcome that Government's commitment to bring in changes to ensure that care home and care agency bosses are properly held to account if they preside over a culture of abuse and neglect.”