Older Persons Commissioner for England

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Wednesday 19th October 2022 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the appointment of an Older Persons Commissioner for England.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Stedman-Scott) (Con)]

My Lords, I fear I will disappoint the noble Lord, Lord Foulkes, because I must confirm that the Government have no plans to appoint an older people’s commissioner in England. The Government’s business champion for older workers, Andy Briggs, engages with business to promote the benefits of employing and retaining older workers in England. The Government are delivering a new enhanced support package for workers over the age of 50 to help them to stay in and return to work.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)]

The Minister is right; I am really disappointed. I heard Heléna Herklots, the Welsh commissioner, speak to the National Pensioners Convention about how she seeks out ageism, tackles it and ensures that it is no longer continuing in Wales. Will the Minister at least meet a deputation consisting of representatives from this House and the other House, and the organisations concerned, so that we can persuade her that what is good enough for Wales—and indeed Northern Ireland—is also appropriate for Scotland and England?

[Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)]

As I hope I have proved to the noble Lord on many occasions, I am very happy to meet him and others to discuss this.