Older Scots urged to have a say on plans for new commissioner

Older Scots are being urged to have a say on plans to create a new commissioner to represent them.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth has put forward a Members Bill at Holyrood that, if passed, would establish a Commissioner for Older People.

The proposals come more than two decades after Holyrood passed legislation to create the post of Commissioner for Children and Young People in 2003.

It is proposed the Commissioner for Older People would give those aged 60 and above a representative who would be tasked with promoting and safeguarding their rights and interests.

MSPs on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee are to scrutinise the plans, set out in the Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill.

However, earlier this month a Holyrood committee said that new statutory commissioners should be created only as a “last resort”

Karen Adam, convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, noted that “over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland”.

She added: “In our consideration of this Bill, we’re keen to understand whether having a commissioner could help address the needs of an ageing population.

“In opening this call for views we’d like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We’re also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland’s third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal.”

People have until September 12 to submit their views online at https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ehrcj/commissioner-for-older-people-scotland-bill