Engagement with older people
The Government’s response to John Elbourne’s review provides the framework for Government engagement with older people.
The framework will consist of the following elements.
UK Advisory Forum on Ageing
This new body will give older people a direct line to Government to comment on new policy ideas, services, legislation and what areas they feel the Government needs to address. The Forum will be co-chaired by the Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society Angela Eagle MP and the Minister of State for Care Services, Phil Hope MP. It has a clear focus on helping to improve the well-being of older people and addressing the opportunities and challenges of an ageing society.
Local and regional forums
Government will encourage the development of local and regional communication channels to:
- identify common themes that need to be brought to the attention of national government
- provide direction and leadership on local and regional issues affecting older people
- helping to spread good practice locally.
The Government will take action to put in place regional coordinators to strengthen the network of local authority forums and to champion older people.
Government offices
Government offices will have an enhanced role to extend and strengthen engagement with older people at a local and regional level, and help embed issues affecting older people in regional planning and strategy development.
Regional Ministers
The Regional Minister will have a key leadership role, especially in providing links to national government.
