Age UK response to the Queen's Speech
Age UK comments on the Queen's Speech 2016.
The Bill of Rights
“Since the Human Rights Act came into force some eighteen years ago older people have been able to use it to protect and give effect to their rights, particularly by being treated with dignity and respect and kept free of abuse and neglect, in health and care settings. We hope the Government will consult widely in developing its proposals in this area and will carefully consider the implications of any reform across the UK. Older people ‘s rights must be safeguarded and ideally enhanced. Any weakening of them or restrictions on how they can be enforced would be a source of great concern to Age UK.
“To create a society that truly gives older people the dignity, respect and care they deserve the Government will also need to tackle some systemic problems that many older people in our society currently face such as fuel poverty and a lack of suitable housing and support to enable older people to live independently at home for as long as possible.”
Driverless cars
“Technology already makes life easier for many older people and while it may be some time before we see autonomous vehicles on the road, we can use new technology and better car design to improve adaptations, safety and comfort.
“Age UK is working with the older drivers taskforce to influence car manufactures to follow inclusive and safe design standards for all new cars that work for older people (silver NCAP). In addition we need to support driver mobility centres to help more older people identify and install adaptations and safety features which will enable them to drive safely for longer.
“For those not driving we would like to see the new Bus Service Bill recognising the needs of older people, many of whom have experienced cuts to bus services, by setting up a framework for integrated accessible transport for people wherever they live.
High speed broadband to every household
“We also know that older people who are online often find this provides a fantastic opportunity to stay connected to family and friends, even if they live miles – or even continents - apart. From that point of view, difficulty in accessing reliable, high quality broadband is a further barrier for older people who are lonely and isolated for whom being able to Skype and email would be a great comfort and support.
“As more and more public and private services become ‘digital by default’ it also means these older people risk being excluded and left behind in other important ways too.”
