Welsh ministers for elderly putting pensioners first in policies

CAMPAIGNERS renewed calls for a Minister for Older People in England yesterday after Wales appointed their own champion of the elderly.

Huw Irranca-Davies said his role is proof that the elderly are at the heart of policy and public services in Wales.

Pensioners are allowed to keep £40,000 of their own money before being forced to pay for their residential care, while in England it is just £23,250.

Mr Irranca-Davies, appointed earlier this month, says his ambition is to make Wales the best country in the world for people to grow old in.

George McNamara, director of policy and public affairs at Independent Age, said: “Older people in England are being let down by not having a dedicated minister to champion their needs.

“You only have to look at the impact such a post is having in Wales to see the benefits. If it can be done in Wales, why not England?” Mr Irranca-Davies also thinks the English are missing out. Wales also has an Older People’s Commissioner, Sarah Rochira, who is an independent voice and champion for older people, standing up and speaking out on their behalf. In addition, in Wales there is a maximum weekly charge of £80 for homecare and other non-residential social care services.

Mr Irranca-Davies says more than 20,000 people in Wales benefit by paying this maximum or