MSP seeks support for Commissioner for Older People

A proposal for a bill to establish a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland has been put out for public consultation by the MSP seeking to win support to introduce the bill.

Colin Smyth, Labour member for South Scotland, intends the Commissioner to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of older people and to challenge discrimination against them. The Commissioner would be a champion for older people, specifically responsible for ensuring that their rights and interests are being observed and that any policies or Government legislation take account of their views and lived experience. 

In his paper Mr Smyth notes that the UK population is ageing, with the proportion aged 65 or over growing from 19% in 2019 to a projected 24% by 2043 – 17.4m people. In Scotland, Government figures show that as of 2023, 15% of older people in Scotland are living in relative poverty, after housing costs.

With Age Scotland warning that more needs to be done to address the housing, health, financial, and employment needs of older people across the whole country in response to this demographic shift, Mr Smyth believes that establishing a Commissioner "would ensure that as Scotland’s population ages, the older generation has access to an independent advocate for, and champion of, their rights, needs and services.  The demand for accessible assistance that is tailored specifically for older people is growing and I believe it requires an independent body to properly oversee its delivery".  

Older people can face barriers to claiming the support that they are entitled to, and at least £400m in pension credit and other benefits like council tax reduction going unclaimed by older people in Scotland each year.

Health issues, digital exclusion and difficulties in employment are also noted as matters the Commissioner could pursue.

Find the consultation here. Views are invited by 12 September 2023.