Janet Finch-Saunders AM, the Welsh Conservatives’ Older People’s Champion in the National Assembly for Wales, is to call for specific, codified rights for Older People, in a Short Debate, later this week.

The Member’s debate is entitled ‘Calling for a charter for ‘Dignity in Retirement and the Security of Older People’’.

Janet said:

“Wales has been a pioneering nation for the interests of older people in many ways – with the creation of the world’s first Older People’s Commissioner role in 2006.

“However, more can be done, and in order to empower older people to feel ownership of their rights, and entrench positive attitudes in society and the workplace, a dedicated set of rights, within the particular Welsh context, is essential.

“Old age is something to be celebrated. Older people deserve dignity and respect, alongside independence and the freedom to make decisions about their own lives. In particular, they deserve appropriate, respectful and compassionate treatment within health and social care settings.

“In extending and promoting the rights of older people, we can support those across Wales to remain active members of the family, community and society.”

ENDS

Notes:

The Welsh Conservatives pledged to introduced an Older People’s Bill in their 2016 Assembly election manifesto: https://www.welshconservatives.com/sites/www.welshconservatives.com/files/welsh_manifesto_finalenglish_0.pdf

Proposed legislation would include the introduction of a duty on public sector bodies to consult older people when making decisions which affect their lives.

The Welsh Conservatives are also calling for a dedicated ministerial role to assume responsibility for representing older people across all government departments

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has also called for specific legislation to protect the rights of older people: https://www.welshconservatives.com/sites/www.welshconservatives.com/files/welsh_manifesto_finalenglish_0.pdf