- Conference
- 2022 National Retired Members Conference
- Date
- 27 June 2022
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference is only too aware having a UNISON steward to advocate in the workplace during difficult times for our members can mean all the difference in the world for outcomes in disciplinaries, grievances and potential dismissals.
Having a Commissioner to advocate for Older People has the very same potential to make substantial changes which can make all the difference in the world for millions of older people in England.
Commissioners are usually created to give under-represented groups a voice. As Northern Ireland & Wales already have a Commissioner, this statement stands very true for England.
What would a Commissioner of Older People do? Put simply, a commissioner for Older People would be independent of Government and be a dedicated advocate. Safeguarding and promoting the concerns and interests of older people and ensuring they are consulted on issues which impact on their daily lives.
Why do we need one? Present and future Governments will be focused on trying to get the economy back on track and fix the damage of the last two years. Older people’s needs should not be put to the bottom of the pile.
We need an advocate who can seize the ear of Government and make it quickly respond into action on issues which impact on older people’s lives.
for example:
Poverty – raising living standards.
Transport – ensure adequate funding.
Health Care – a care system funded and fit for purpose.
Energy & Water costs – availability and affordable.
Pensions – Restore and maintain the triple-lock
Housing – Affordable and secure.
Loneliness – Declaring war on loneliness and isolation.
And the many other urgent areas which are sadly not being looked at or addressed.
Now is the time that older people feel valued and treated with respect. An appointment of a Commissioner for England is a step in the right direction. We have been patient long enough.
However, getting a Commissioner for Older People is only half the job done as you know conference. The appointment may not guarantee they will be able to change how government thinks and delivers policy. Who is appointed is critical. They need to be able to command the respect of the hard-working groups who currently make representations on behalf of older people. Resources and genuine independence are also important. A Commissioner who gets government to listen and take positive actions will be the measure of success.
It is encouraging to hear many MPs are ‘age champions’ with over 100 listed on the Age UK website. Hopefully, they will support and push for the establishment of a commissioner at the earliest opportunity.
Conference believes now is the right time to advance this request with all interested parties and to secure an appointment without delay. Now is the time for a strong and united voice for the Older People of England to be heard, very loud, and very clear.
This conference asks the National Retired Members’ Committee to:
a)Work with Unison’s National Executive Council and other organisations such as the National Pensioners Convention, Age UK, The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ageing and Older People and other relevant groups as they see fit, to co-ordinate and request that the Government appoints a Commissioner for Older people for England as a matter of urgency.
b)Liaise with UNISON’s Labour Link to verify a Commissioner for Older People is firmly embedded in the Labour Party’s manifesto.
C) To consider thanking & writing to those MP’s who are ‘Age Champion’s’ and encourage them to use their networks & influence to request and push for a Commissioner for Older People without delay.