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29 June 2009

Equality bill consultation welcomed by age charity, but key plank of reform must not be 'flunked'

Responding to the launch today by the Government Equalities Office of the consultation to end age discrimination through the upcoming Equality Bill, Age Concern and Help the Aged Charity Director Michelle Mitchell said: 

'While there is much to welcome in this consultation document, older people will be sorely disappointed if key parts of this crucial debate are flunked. 

'The need to end ageism in the NHS through the more equal provision of medical treatment for conditions such as cancer or the urgent requirement to tackle discrimination in social care is widely accepted. In policy areas such as this, the Equality Bill offers a welcome and positive route forward. 

'However in the field of insurance, the landscape is bleaker. In contrast to the research published today by the Government, a survey carried out by Age Concern and Help the Aged showed* that 10% of people aged 75 and over were refused motor or travel insurance on the grounds of their age, while 13% have entirely put off travelling to see family and friends purely because of the difficulty in obtaining insurance or because of prohibitive age-based pricing. Short-sighted commercial practices such as these should be consigned to the dustbin of history - they have no place in our ageing society.  

'Ministers must not allow the wool to be pulled over their eyes. Obtaining affordable insurance is often a significant problem for many older people and must be tackled through the Equality Bill.' 

Notes to editors

Media contact:
Paul Bates Tel: 020 7239 1942 Out of hours: 07730 912524

* Research entitled "Insurance and age: exploring behaviour, attitudes and discrimination", March 2007 carried out by Age Concern and Help the Aged. 229 people were recruited to act as mystery shoppers, testing products and providers on age-based pricing and access.

Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.