Labour is being criticized for not doing enough to protect pensioners, with many saying their social safety net is falling apart.
Pensioners have been protesting in the streets, and campaigners are calling for a dedicated advocate to stand up for their rights. They believe that an Older People’s Commissioner is urgently needed to focus on the issues faced by older people.
While Wales and Northern Ireland already have commissioners to protect the interests of older citizens, no such role exists in England. Campaigners say this must change to ensure pensioners across the UK are treated fairly.
Sally Tsoukaris, who represents the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance and Later Life Ambitions, explained why this is so important.
She said that since Labour came to power in July, pensioners have seen vital support systems weaken. She pointed to the removal of universal winter fuel payments and criticized how frozen tax thresholds are forcing more pensioners into poverty.
Tsoukaris also highlighted the unfair treatment of Waspi women, who lost out on pension benefits due to changes in state pension age.
According to her, these actions show that the government is neglecting older people, and the creation of commissioners across the UK is urgently needed.
Baroness Altmann, a former pensions minister, also supports the idea. She said that a commissioner could focus on the specific challenges faced by older people, who are often ignored or forgotten by society.
She added that Labour’s current actions clearly show that pensioners are not seen as a priority when it comes to public spending.
Morgan Vine from Independent Age agreed, saying that pensioners in England deserve an independent advocate who can speak on their behalf and push for positive change.
She called on the government to introduce a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing to give pensioners a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.
In response, the government defended its actions, saying it is committed to supporting pensioners. Officials highlighted the triple lock policy, which ensures that pensions increase each year by inflation, wage growth, or at least 2.5 percent.
This policy means pensions could go up by as much as £1,900 during this parliament. The government also encouraged eligible pensioners to apply for pension credit, which provides extra financial support averaging £4,200. This credit can also help unlock winter fuel payments to assist with heating costs.
However, critics argue that these measures are not enough. They say the government needs to act now to provide stronger protections for pensioners and ensure they do not fall into poverty.
The demand for an Older People’s Commissioner reflects a growing concern that the voices of pensioners are being ignored, and urgent action is needed to secure their future.
