16 April 2023 , 23:01
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World Cup-winning footballer Sir Geoff Hurst, radio DJ Tony Blackburn and ex-Strictly judge Dame Arlene Phillips today back calls for an older people’s tsar.
A campaign by the charity Independent Age demands a commissioner to champion pensioners’ cause in the corridors of power.
Sir Geoff said he is "supporting the call" because he has seen the "absolutely disastrous" impact of the cost-of-living crisis on older people.
The 81-year-old added: "I hear stories of people eating just one meal a day or not having the heating on in their homes.
“These things are happening every day and it's absolutely unbelievably difficult for older people to survive under these circumstances."
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BBC Radio 2 veteran presenter Blackburn, 80, said: "I personally am aware that in this country there is ageism.
Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“I luckily haven't come up against it, although I think sometimes it's forgotten that older people bring experience.”
The Mirror told last month how dozens of groups including the National Pensioners’ Convention, Independent Age, Age UK and the Centre for Ageing Better want the post of Commissioner for Older People and Ageing established in England - mirroring the approach taken in Wales and Northern Ireland.
“The role would ensure that the long-term needs of people in later life and the challenges faced by the population as they age are considered in policy and practice across all government departments,” said a joint statement by 72 organisations.
“If created, a Commissioner in England would encourage collaboration and joined-up thinking to deliver policy solutions that benefit everyone as they age.
“They would make independent recommendations and have the power to launch inquiries to resolve issues for older people now and in the future.”
Backing the plea, Don Warrington, 71, who plays commissioner Selwyn Patterson in BBC detective comedy drama Death In Paradise, said: "I think things creep up on you gradually as you age and that is the thing about ageing - not fighting it necessarily, but also not surrendering to some idea of ageing."
Don Warrington supports the campaign (BBC)John Palmer, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, said the charity was "incredibility grateful" to the celebrities for "shining a light" through their backing, which also included a social media video with the stars.
He added: "It has never been more important for older people, who often tell us they feel invisible and like their views are ignored, to have an independent champion at the heart of government who can ensure that none of us are left out of the conversation as we age."
A Government spokeswoman said: "We recognise the pressures of the rising cost of living and are committed to protecting the most vulnerable, including pensioners.
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"This month we have delivered the biggest State Pension increase in history - making the full rate of the New State Pension more than £10,000 per year - as well as boosting Pension Credit by 10.1% for those on the lowest incomes.
"There are 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty than in 2009/10, and we will be repeating last year's £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment as part of an overall £94 billion in cost of living support, worth around £3,300 per household."
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