Petition Tag - older people

Older people are fast becoming one of the largest groups in the United Kingdom: the country now has a greater number of people aged 60 and over than it does people aged 16 and under.

Life expectancy will only continue to increase, and our Government will face significant challenges as it prepares to serve the ageing population. The UK has no choice but to ensure that older people can live comfortably and enjoy dignity and respect in their later years.

Despite making up 40% of voters, there is no Government minister dedicated to the well-being of older people. Theresa May MP is Minister for Women; Sarah Teather MP is Minister of State for Children and Families, but as it stands, older people’s issues are scattered throughout various Government departments. What is sorely lacking is a centralised Government portfolio that prioritises the needs of older people and ensures that their views and interests receive dedicated attention.

Many governments around the world, including those of Ireland and Canada, currently have a dedicated Minister for older people, and it is high time the UK followed suit. Both Wales and Northern Ireland have appointed an Older People’s Commissioner, but all older people living in the UK deserve a centralised ministerial post that looks after their needs.

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing, represents 42,000 older people and believes that they are our national treasure – people to be proud of; people to respect; people who deserve someone at the highest level to look after their interests.

We, therefore, call on our Government to provide real leadership for the UK’s older people: to listen to their issues, give voice to them, and help all UK citizens enjoy happy living in the years ahead.

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HANDS OFF OUR FREEDOM PASS

On 4th November, Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan announced proposals that the governments would reopen the third year of the funding settlement for the national bus concession - which could result in London losing around half of this funding (just under £30 million).

If the cuts go ahead, they will undoubtedly affect disabled people in every borough as councils attempt to deal with anything up to a £1million funding hole.

This could lead to the tightening of eligibility criteria for the Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass in particular– making the application process even more stringent and intrusive.

There is even the fear that Freedom Passes issued on ‘discretionary’ basis would be under threat in some boroughs.

We must join together to fight off this threat!

The Freedom Pass provides just that, Freedom, for disabled and older Londoners. It allows us to travel for free on the bus, tube and rail networks within London. Without this vital benefit, many of us would not be able to afford essential travel to hospitals, community centres, to local shops or engage in our social lives. This would severely affect the quality of our lives.

With the steep increase in bus and tube fares coming into force in January, the Freedom pass becomes even more essential.

Transport in London is becoming more accessible - The Mayor’s Transport strategy lays out plans for more improvements over the next few years – however what is the point if we can’t afford to use it?

TfA Director Faryal Velmi, said of the news: “Whilst tens of millions of pounds of tax payers money continues to be used to bail out the toxic assets of fat cat bankers – disabled and older people are feeling the pinch.

We must strongly urge the Dept of Transport to rethink its plans and send a message loud and clear – hands off our Freedom Pass!"

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This petition has been actioned by Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition against Community Cuts (HAFCAC)

Hammersmith and Fulham Council are seeking to charge disabled and older people for essential services which enable them to live as equal citizens in the community.

The proposed charges of up to £12.40 per hour would negatively impact on the well being of disabled and older people who use essential community care services.

In March 2006, the Labour administration said it would stop charging for home care services. In April 2006, a spokesperson for the Conservative group said, “A Conservative Council will not reintroduce Home Care Charging. The Conservative group has included this as a manifesto pledge.”

Many local disabled and older people feel cheated that the present Conservative Council is proposing a U turn on its election pledge.

Local residents wish to strongly object to the Council's plans.

Contact HAFCAC on 07899 752 877 or email hafcac@hotmail.co.uk

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