§ Mr. Paul BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish an implementation strategy for the Government's objective of providing a one-stop shop advice service to older people by 2006. [115525]
§ Maria EagleThis Government made a commitment in it's 2001 Manifesto to the delivery of a 'third age service'. Specifically, it stated that
Pensioners need simple accessible services that treat them with dignity and promote independence. We will build on Care Direct to provide a better integration of health, housing, benefits and social care. This will be an integrated 'third age service' to help older people and those who care for them".Over the past few months we have been consulting representatives from the public and voluntary sector who provide benefits and services to older people in order to better understand how we can work more effectively in partnership.
Officials are currently developing plans for how the DWP will enable the development of a 'third age programme'. This will build on the excellent work already underway at local level in many parts of the country to meet the needs of older people in a more joined up way.