A Minister for Older People

The Grey Pride campaign is urging the Government to prepare better for the massive demographic changes taking place, with forecasts of a 50% rise in the number of over-65s and a doubling in over-85s between 2010 and 2030.

We believe a minister is needed at Cabinet level to ensure society is ready to support the needs of the older people of today and tomorrow.

Despite making up 40% of the voting public, there is no single minister dedicated to representing the views of older people or able to hold the government to account.

What we’ve achieved

Our petition calling on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People was Anchor’s first Grey Pride campaign. It was launched in April 2011 alongside research which found ageist attitudes to be endemic in the workplace.

We have involved MPs, other older people's groups, celebrities and the media throughout this campaign and achieved a great deal.

Progress so far…

• A 137,000-strong Grey Pride petition has been submitted to 10 Downing Street.
• A cross-party group of MPs backed a successful Commons motion urging the Government to consider appointing a Minister for Older People.
• Labour created the post of Shadow Minister for Care and Older People to attend the Shadow Cabinet.
• Conservatives in Wales appointed Shadow Minister for Older People Darren Millar.
• Liberal Democrat former Care Minister Paul Burstow backed the campaign for a dedicated Minister while setting out detailed plans for the role of a Commissioner for Older People.
• 84 MPs backed an Early Day Motion calling for a Minister for Older People.
• 28 organisations have backed the campaign.
• Celebrities including Esther Rantzen, Richard Wilson and Angela Rippon have lent their support.

Despite this immense support, we’re still waiting for a named individual in the Cabinet to take responsibility for ensuring a positive future for the older people of today and tomorrow.

The final decision now ultimately sits with the Prime Minister….help us ensure that older people’s issues are at the forefront of every politicians mind.