Alliance marks one year on from Ready for Ageing report

The Ready for Ageing Alliance has marked the one year anniversary since the publication of Lord Filkin's Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change report, 'Ready for Ageing' by sending an open letter to the Prime Minister.

The letter urges the Government to plan for a bolder response to the demographic change taking place as the population gets older and warned David Cameron not to ignore the implications and changing needs of an ageing society.

Although the letter acknowledged the Governments progress in some areas, alliance members claimed politicians have mostly failed to take action and make long term plans to react to recommendations made in report in the year since it was published.

Highlighting that it could be easy for policy makers to ‘postpone thinking about ageing in favour of more immediate crises’ the letter, created by Ready for Aging Alliance members, urged the Government to make plans now to avoid a crisis for ‘future generations.’

The alliance is made up of eight age charities including Age UK, Anchor and Independent Age and was created to urge the Government to deliver cross party agreement on how to react to the ageing population.

Paul Burstow MP has called for an Older People’s Commissioner to be appointed and age charity Anchor has supported the open letter, calling for the Government to have a more joined-up approach to planning for demographic change.

Jane Ashcroft, chief executive of Anchor said: “We welcome the continued efforts of Paul Burstow MP in shining the spotlight on the dire need for better representation for older people in England.

“Following the lead of representatives in Wales and Northern Ireland, Mr Burstow’s proposal for an Older People’s Commissioner would ensure we give older people a voice and, importantly, listen to them; champion their vital contribution to society, challenge stereotypes and hold public services to account. This approach would also benefit the country’s future older generations.

“As our population continues to age this is a responsibility that will only grow in importance. We called on Government two years ago to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People.

“I hope that the Care Bill amendment debates highlight that only a holistic approach to planning will ensure that different government departments work together effectively to handle the challenges that come with demographic change.”