§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to co-ordinate Government policy for older people. [44582]
§ The Prime MinisterI have established a Ministerial Group which will be chaired by the Under-Secretary of State for Social Security my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham). The terms of reference for the group are as set out:
- 1. To ensure that Government strategy and policy affecting older people is effectively co-ordinated, avoids duplication, and takes account of the needs of older people;
- 2. To develop a better understanding of the lives and aspirations of older people and how they are affected by Government policy by:
- undertaking an audit of cross-Government initiatives to identify all those that may affect older people;
- working with non-governmental groups representing older people's interests, to gain a better understanding of their lives and the implications of an ageing population; and
- developing a statement of values and principles which reflect the findings of the audit and wider discussions.
- 3. To co-ordinate the presentation and promotion of Government policy affecting older people.
Membership of the group will comprise Ministers who have particular responsibilities for policy areas which affect older people. It will include the Minister without Portfolio, the Under-Secretary of State for Women and Ministers from the Department of Health, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service), the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department for Education and Employment, the Home Office, HM Treasury, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Scottish Office, the Welsh Office and the Northern Ireland Office.
The group will make its first report to me before the Summer Recess.