§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress he is making towards co-ordinating departmental policy towards financial support for pensioners. [96800]
§ Mr. RookerIn June 1998, the Prime Minister set up the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People to make sure that the needs of older people are better understood and that action to help them is effectively co-ordinated across Government. The Group meets regularly to discuss and synchronize our programme of help for older people. The564W Group has already undertaken an audit of cross government initiatives to identify those that effect older people.
At present, the Group is focusing on three key areas—productive ageing, health and care and consultation and involvement.
As part of the consultation process, members of the Inter-Ministerial Group are taking part in a series of "listening to older people" events. These are being organised with non-governmental organisations supporting the UN Year of Older Persons.
The listening events, alongside other research the Group has commissioned, will provide information and feedback that will be invaluable in deciding priorities and helping shape the Government's policies to meet them.