English councils unready for ageing population

Councils in England are currently unready to meet the challenge of an ageing population, a report has claimed.

The Audit Commission claims the government's 2005 strategy for older people, Opportunity Age, hasn't delivered the benefits and improvements for older people it promised.

The public service watchdog also claims councils need to improve the way they provide information in key areas such as volunteering, leisure and social activities, learning opportunities and transport.

By 2009, people over 50 will make up more than a third of the country's total population but today's report claims council services "focus on the minority who require social care, excluding the invisible majority who may end up isolated and vulnerable if ignored".

Michael O'Higgins, chairman of the Audit Commission, said: "By 2029 nearly 40 per cent of England’s population will be over 50. These are active people, anxious to stay independent as long as possible.

"Despite the stereotypes, only three per cent of people aged between 65 and 80 live in residential care. But it's worrying that the councils in areas with the most over 50s are the least prepared to cope with their long-term needs and interests.

"As people live longer, those who can help them stay well and independent, need to be a little more imaginative."

The Audit Commission claims that the government should show "clearer national leadership" and work with the local councils to provide guidance and evaluate progress.

Councils can be better prepared for an ageing population by making better use of information, reviewing demographic profiles and using local knowledge to target money and services effectively, the report recommends.

Improvements in the evaluation of testing local satisfaction and experience of age-proofing services should also be made.

Responding to the report, regional policy manager at Help the Aged, Belinda Wadsworth said: "It's a real worry that in an increasingly ageing society, many local councils are struggling when it comes to catering for the needs of older
people in their area.

"Although the findings of this report are incredibly disappointing, unfortunately they are not particularly surprising - older people often tell Help the Aged that they routinely feel ignored and let down by their local council.

"Councils have a stereotypical and somewhat narrow view of older people and their needs - they often lump anyone over 50 into a group of people who need health and social care services," she added.

"The government's strategy for older people, Opportunity Age is fast becoming a 'one step forward, two steps back' scheme. If it really is to create opportunities for older people, it must become more than a half-hearted, tick-box measure.

"Local authorities need to take a lead - by getting older people involved in decision-making, changing the culture of their full range of services to be more accessible to an ageing population and leading the way in positively dispelling myths and stereotypes about older people."

Richard James