Jean Lambert MEP

The Green Party debated policy proposals to help older people at their conference today (Saturday 5) at Hove Town Hall. The debate included guest speakers from Age Concern and Help the Aged and from Brighton and Hove’s Older People’s Council, and explored what must be done to address pensioner poverty, social care and transport needs ahead of the forthcoming General Election.
 
Jean Lambert, the Green MEP for London, who is a Member of the European Parliament’s cross-party group on Ageing, led the session. She said:
“I was delighted to welcome expert speakers to Hove to discuss what must be done to ensure a decent pension for all older people, as well as improve access to social, health, transport and other services that could make a real improvement to the lives of older people.
 
“Far too many pensioners are living in poverty and isolation, unable to access basic care and social networks. The Green Party is committed to improving older people’s lives and that’s why we’re opening this debate which will help inform our policies.”
 
John Barry from Brighton and Hove’s OPC (Older People’s Council) said:
“The job of the OPC is to make sure that older people in Brighton & Hove are treated with respect and dignity, that they receive the services and support they need and have access to opportunities to lead a fulfilling life.”
 
Patrick South, Head of Public Affairs at Age Concern and Help the Aged, and Debora Price, an academic from the Institute of Gerontology at Kings College London also  appeared on the panel.
 
For more information about the conference view:  www.greenparty.org.uk/conference.html