WEC evidence session: Does England need an Older People’s Commissioner to challenge ageism and discrimination?
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hear from charities and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales during a one-off evidence session in Parliament on Wednesday, 11 December on the rights of older people.
Meeting details
During the session, the cross-party committee of MPs will hear from Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director, Age UK, Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Ageing Better, Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive, Independent Age and Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
Discussion is expected to touch upon key issues impacting older people - including ageist stereotypes, discriminatory practices and policies in the labour market, local services, healthcare and financial services, benefits and digital exclusion - and the extent to which they are adequately understood and being addressed effectively.
It will examine the framework for championing the rights of older people in the UK, including the role of the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission), the case for a cross-Government strategy, plus calls from the sector for an Older People’s Commissioner for England.
WEC’s predecessor committee launched an inquiry into the rights of older people in September 2023 to examine whether discrimination and ageist stereotyping, such as characterising older people as helpless or wealthy “boomers” is preventing them from participating fully in society.