U.K.: Wales to Get World's First Champion for Old Folks

POWYS, Mid Wales (NewsWales), July 22, 2006: A Government Bill to establish a fully independent Commissioner for Older People to promote and safeguard the interests of over 60s in Wales will shortly become law. The Commissioner will also help to protect the small minority of older people who for reasons of severely deteriorating health may need support to articulate their needs and preferences and to ensure that these people receive an adequate response. There has been strong pressure for this legislation from groups representing older people in Wales, including Age Concern Cymru, Help the Aged, the National Old Age Pensioners Association of Wales and the Pensioners Forum Wales. The Commissioner will be a true champion for old folks, Wales Office Minister Nick Ainger said, speaking on the day the Bill received its Third Reading in the House of Commons. It will become law shortly, after it receives Royal Assent. The Welsh Assembly Government proposed in 2003 that it wanted to introduce an Older Person's Commissioner in Wales to help improve the quality of life for older people. Mr. Ainger said: "This is a ground breaking piece of legislation which enables the Welsh Assembly Government to set up an independent Commissioner for older people who will play a vital role in addressing ageism and discrimination against older people. "The position will be the first of its kind in the UK and in Europe and, as far as we are aware, in the world. "The Commissioner will be able to speak up on behalf of older people in Wales, helping to raise their profile and increase awareness of their needs "And he or she will have a crucial role to play in tackling ageism and discrimination against older people." Copyright 1999-2004 News Wales