§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation took place with other Government Departments in devising housing advice services to older people within the Third Age Service. [121544]
§ Maria EagleThe Department has consulted widely with other Government Departments over the development of a Third Age Service, specifically the Department of Health, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (including the Audit Commission), Inland Revenue, and the Lord Chancellor's Department.
Discussions have covered a wide range of issues relating to the joining up of the service provision for older people, which includes housing. This work is ongoing and is contributing to the development of plans for a 'third age programme'. This will build on the excellent work already under way at local level in many parts of the country to meet the needs of older people in a more joined up way.