Plans for a Rights of Older People Bill announced
As the Older People’s Commissioner calls for specific legislation in Wales, Welsh Conservatives have announced plans for a Rights of Older People Bill; to extend and promote rights across Wales.
The Commissioner has used Human Rights Day to call for a piece of legislation that will ‘protect and promote the rights of older people so they can live free of abuse, neglect, ageism and discrimination, participate fully in their communities and thrive in older age.’
A Welsh Conservative government would prioritise the call and further details will be brought forward in the party’s manifesto, along with further plans to boost support for older people.
These include:
- A commitment to make Wales the first No Cold Calling Nation
- Free entry to CADW heritage sites, along with a continued commitment to free bus travel and free prescriptions
Shadow Minister for Older People, Darren Millar AM, said:
“Older people in Wales deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
“They make a huge contribution to the economic and social life of the country and are valued members of society.
“Whilst Wales has already developed comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of children and younger people, we have not yet done so for our older people and that’s wrong.
“A Welsh Conservative government would address this by bringing forward a Rights of Older People Bill to ensure their rights are fully protected and promoted.
“Along with our Bill, we would also work to ensure Wales becomes the first Cold Calling Nation and provide our older people with the privilege of free entry to CADW heritage sites.
“Just last year our call for ‘UN Principles for Older Persons’ to be enshrined in law was agreed in the Senedd.
“We need to go further and I agree entirely with the Commissioner’s calls. More progress is needed and our 2016 manifesto will set out a raft of plans for our senior citizens.”
