Dr Allison Gardner MP calls for Older People's Commissioner amid national social care debate

The Stoke-on-Trent South MP says older people deserve a stronger independent voice as social care returns to the national political agenda under new PM Andy Burnham.

Dr Allison Gardner MP has renewed her campaign for the creation of an Older People's Commissioner, arguing that older people deserve an independent champion to represent their rights, dignity and the quality of care they receive.

The renewed call comes as social care has once again become a major national political issue under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Weeks into his premiership, he has set out a 3 point plan for adult social care, most notably setting out plans to create a National Care Service.

Dr Gardner, who has been campaigning alongside the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention, said any reforms must ensure older people's voices are heard.

She said:

 "It is encouraging to see Andy Burnham putting social care back where it belongs – at the top of the political agenda. But if we are serious about reforming social care, we have to make sure older people themselves have a powerful voice in that conversation."

The MP has been working with local campaigners to press ministers to establish an independent Older People's Commissioner, who would act as a dedicated advocate for older residents and help shape future reforms to the care system.

"Working with Grey Power here in North Staffordshire, I have been calling for an Older People's Commissioner. Older people in Stoke-on-Trent South, and across the country, deserve to know that someone is standing up for their rights, their dignity and the quality of care they receive."

She believes such a role could become an important part of any future National Care Service.

"A Commissioner could provide an independent voice for our growing population of older people and play an important role in shaping any future National Care Service. I will continue to make that case to ministers."

Highlighting the wider impact of pressures on the care system, Dr Gardner added that the effects extend far beyond those receiving care.

"When social care fails, the consequences are felt everywhere – by older people, families, unpaid carers, our NHS and communities like ours here in Stoke-on-Trent."

She concluded by calling for politicians from across the political spectrum to work together on long-term reform.

"Dignity must come first. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and the support they need to live well at every stage of their life.

"I hope these proposals can help build the cross-party consensus we need to finally give older people the social care system they deserve."

Dr Gardner said she will continue working with the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention in the meantime to ensure the experiences of older people in the area are reflected as discussions over the future of social care continue.