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14 May 2008

A 'fair Britain' should mean equal rights for older people, says Help the Aged

Reacting to the draft legislative programme announced today by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Paul Cann, Director of Policy at Help the Aged, says: 

“If the Prime Minister is serious about creating a ‘fairer’ Britain, he must go back to basics and ensure people have equal rights. It almost goes without saying that this should include older people - the fastest growing population group.  

“Far from being treated as equals, older people are dismissed as second class citizens, denied their right to equality because outside the workplace it is perfectly legal to discriminate against them because of their age. In an increasingly ageing society, this is a moral outrage.   

“The Equality Bill announced today is a real opportunity for Gordon Brown’s Government to show older people they care by introducing a complete ban on the age discrimination that ruins their lives. Three quarters of the electorate want age discrimination to be outlawed – it remains to be seen whether the Government is listening(1).”

The Help the Aged ‘Just Equal Treatment’ is calling for the forthcoming Equality Bill to include proposals for legislation against age discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services - including health and social care services(2). The Charity also wants the public sector equality duty - which currently requires local authorities to promote equality between people of different race, gender and disability status - to include age so older people’s needs are taken into account in public services. www.helptheaged.org.uk/justequaltreatment

Notes to Editors:

ICM interviewed a random sample of 1000 adults aged 18+ from its telephone omnibus between 11th - 13th April 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
Age is the only equality group not covered by discrimination legislation in the provision of goods, facilities and services. Other equality groups include race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief. Age discrimination legislation already covers employment, vocational training and post 16 education. Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life. Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. Visit www.helptheaged.org.uk  or call 0207 239 1982.