80% back a ‘champion’ for the old

MORE than 80 per cent of Britain’s pensioners want to see a Minister for Older People appointed to champion their rights, the Daily Express can reveal.

Just how popular our call for such a dedicated Minister has been revealed in exclusive polling.

Three quarters of Britons of all ages would back the appointment of a Minister for Older People. This rises to 81 per cent of those aged 65-plus, the survey by elderly housing specialist Anchor found. One of the main reasons older people feel a minister is necessary is their concern about social care, particularly the cost of any help they might need.

Almost half (45 per cent) worry that the NHS will not provide them with the care they need in older age. This rises to 56 per cent for those already older than 65.

Jane Ashcroft CBE, chief executive of Anchor, said: “The appointment of a Minister for Older People, one that is committed to the needs of our ageing population, would focus attention on issues neglected by successive governments, enabling all of us to better plan for the future.”

More than 2,000 people have signed a Daily Express petition calling on Theresa May to give someone the ministerial role in her next cabinet reshuffle.

As part of The Daily Express’ Respect for the Elderly crusade, we are urging our readers, their friends and family to show their support and add their signatures.

Please sign our online petition and show your support for pensioner fairness.

If you don’t have a computer at home, you can use one free-of-charge at your local library.

The link is https:// petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/220923