Dumfries MSP calls for older people’s commissioner for Scotland

Colin Smyth MSP is currently in the process of bringing forward a Members’ Bill to establish a Commissioner for Older People for Scotland.

The member for South Scotland joins the charity Age Scotland in making the case for the role that supports the elderly generation.

Similar roles in Wales and Northern Ireland have already been introduced to safeguard older people’s rights.

However, Scotland currently only has a Children and Young People's Commissioner.

Adam Stachura, Head of Policy at Age Scotland said Scotland’s aging population is one of the many reasons why there is a need for the role.

“Scotland has an aging population – we’ve got more older people than before and that’s only going to increase in future years.

“But often older people can miss out on their rights, their human rights can be impacted by decisions made by government, councils, public services, the NHS, but there’s very little option for people to have those rights fought for, independently from government and with some power.

“An older people’s commissioner in Scotland could be another great way to demonstrate our commitment to older people,” he added.

Commissioners for Older People are sitting independent from government and raise awareness to issues that are impacting people later down their lives.

They can support people with a variety of issues like finances or care and can provide a voice for those who feel underrepresented.

They have the power and the remit to bring together government departments and to put in solutions to resolve any issues.

Colin Smyth earlier said: “A day rarely went past at the height of the pandemic without a constituent raising with me their heart-breaking experiences of not having access to their loved ones in a care home because we couldn’t get our act together over testing.

“Even now I get so many cases every day from constituents whose older relatives are stuck in hospital because we don’t have enough carers and suitable housing for them to go home to.

“Our older people are an incredibly valuable asset for our country, but far too often they are unappreciated. I want to see that change.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.