Tynwald has a champion for diversity, equality and kids, so why not older people?

The Manx Labour Party says the confusion over the status of Jack Frost and meals on wheels is the latest reason why the island needs a champion for elderly residents.

Party chairman David Cretney MLC said: ’The short-term thinking by Department of Health and Social Care to cease the subsidy for meals on wheels is clearly having a knock-on effect.

’Who is going to stand up for our pensioners and war veterans?

’The ongoing debates on free TV licences and prescription charges for older pensioners show the pressing need for someone recognised by our government to speak on their behalf.’

Mr Cretney points to champions for children, armed forces, diversity, equality and the island’s biosphere status to show the island is not averse to having champions to work outside of government.

’They are all rightly independent of the Council of Ministers other than the Biosphere Champion.

’And as I understand it as part of their task is to make representations on behalf of the group they represent.’

It has already been reported that the over 60s will make up 23.3% and over 85s 30.3% of the population of the island by 2031.

The Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury are conducting a review into the health and care services to try to resolve how the island will rise to the challenges an ageing population will present.

In response to this, Mr Cretney told the Manx Independent: ’I see a champion for older people and the lonely as someone who would work across departments to raise issues on behalf of the largest growing demographic of our population.

’They should not just be seen as interested in DHSC issues although it is very likely that such matters will feature high on their agenda.’

Despite this, Chief Minister Howard Quayle has previously said: ’The Council of Ministers considers the current representation for older people is sufficient.

’Older people are also able to engage on their own terms, where perhaps there is not the same voice for younger people, hence the need for a children’s champion, for that reason, at this stage, I believe there is no need for a champion for older people.’

Mr Quayle also believes that the DHSC has a large role to play for elderly residents and the private and voluntary sectors already provide the elderly with a ’strong voice’.

This year is the Centenary Year of the Manx Labour Party and it is holding a series of island wide anti-austerity road shows to debate topics such as this.

The next one will be at 7.30pm in the Peel Centenary Centre on February 22 .