MSP's older people commissioner proposal takes step forward

Labour MSP Colin Smyth's proposal aims to establish a dedicated commissioner for older people in Scotland.

Currently, children and young people have standalone commissioners across the UK, including Scotland, while Wales and Northern Ireland have commissioners for the older population.

The politician's plan is to bring forward a bill to introduce a similar position here.

It was recently announced that he secured the backing of enough MSPs to introduce a bill for an older people's commissioner.

The role would include duties such as raising awareness of the rights and interests of elderly individuals.

He said: "I am really pleased that my proposed bill has taken another step forward.

“Covid-19 had a profound impact on all our lives but for older people it was just devastating.

"At this time, I kept asking myself that when all the big decisions were being made, who, independent of government but with the ear of ministers, was championing the human rights of older people and making sure their voice, their views were being listened to.

"Frankly, the answer was no one and for me changing that is reason enough to bring forward this proposal.

“We have Older People’s Commissioners in Wales and Northern Ireland now doing a great job, and a big campaign for one in England. Why should older people in Scotland be any different?

"It’s not just about standing up for the rights, services and care of older people, it’s about challenging the negative stereotypes of ageing and celebrating the immense positive contribution of those in later life, such as older workers."

The proposed role of the commissioner includes raising awareness of the interests of older people in Scotland, promoting opportunities for them, encouraging best practice in their treatment, and reviewing the effectiveness of laws affecting their interests.

The commissioner would also have the power to carry out investigations into how services provide for older people.