Lords to debate Ready for Ageing? report which found that UK is woefully underprepared for the ageing population
The House of Lords will tomorrow, Thursday 17 October, debate Ready for Ageing? , the report of the Lords Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change. The report identified the ageing population as creating major challenges for individuals, employers, our welfare services, the Government and all political parties, with the number of people in England aged 85 and over set to double by 2030 compared to 2010. It concluded that the Government was woefully underprepared and was not doing enough to ensure the country is ready for ageing.
Lord Filkin, who chaired the Committee, will open the debate. He criticised the Government's response to Ready for Ageing? – published in July – for failing to provide the necessary leadership on this vital issue, branding it as “weak”.
Health Minister Earl Howe will respond for the Government and the debate will feature the maiden speeches of Lord Borwick and Lord Livingstone of Parkhead. Lord Hutton of Furness, who sat on the Committee and Chaired the Independent Commission on Public Service Pensions, will also speak, as will Lord Warner, who served on the Dilnot Commission on Funding of Care and Support.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Lord Filkin said:
“Our rapidly ageing society is our biggest social change, profoundly affecting our economy, public services, finances and every person and family in the country. The members of the Committee were very disappointed with the Government's response, which failed to face up to the scale of the challenge.
“Thursday's debate will be a chance to push the Government to make their position clear, and to force them to face up to the challenge ahead.
“With the 2015 election visible on the horizon it is time for all parties to make clear how they propose to respond to the ageing population and ensure the challenge is met in an affordable and joined-up way. Members of my Committee will continue to push for the parties' manifestos to set out their response, and this debate will be an important part of that process.”