ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on the prospects and challenges for Gordon Brown in developing policies to help older people.

Stakeholder Response: Help the Aged

To send a comment to Help the Aged click here

Kate Jopling, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said: "Like all new starters the Brown administration will be keen to make a good first impression – but long-lasting impressions rely on more than just quick wins.

"Affordable housing is a priority for the Labour Government under Brown.

"But it is essential that all new housing is designed so the majority of older people can live independently in their own homes for as long as they want to and those who need specialist housing are given real choices. 

"The ‘age proofing’ of housing and local neighbourhoods must be given the same attention as that given to eco-housing and long term energy efficiency.

"Ten years ago Gordon Brown wanted an ‘end of the means-test for our elderly people’. 

"Older people still constantly find themselves tangled in the red tape of means-testing and barely 70 per cent get the money that is rightfully theirs. Means-testing is demeaning and saps self-esteem. 

"The Brown administration can scrap it – 10 years later is better than never at all.

"Gordon Brown must also prioritise the urgent need to fix the failing system of health and social care for older people.

"This system simply cannot continue to deprive the growing older population and their families of the care they so desperately need."