Response to the Queen's Speech

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said:

'The Government's commitment in the Queen's Speech to the NHS's 5 year plan, to increased integration of health and care and to maintaining the triple lock for the basic state pension for the remainder of this Parliament are all good news for older people.

'We are also very pleased that the Queen's Speech referred to the importance of dignity and security in retirement since in our view these two principles should underpin all policy and legislation affecting older people.

'Since the Human Rights Act came into force some eighteen years ago older people have been able to use it to protect and give effect to their rights, including their rights to be treated with dignity and respect, free of abuse and neglect, in health and care settings. From this point of view we are pleased the Government has decided not to rush to repeal the Act at this stage.

'We hope the Government will consult widely in developing its proposals in this area and will consider carefully how older people's rights can best be safeguarded and ideally enhanced. Any weakening of them would be a source of great concern to Age UK.

'To create a society that truly gives older people the dignity, respect and care they deserve the Government will also need to tackle some systemic problems that many older people in our society currently face such as fuel poverty and a lack of suitable housing and support to enable older people to live independently at home for as long as possible.'

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