Pensioners could face increased prescription charges and the government subsidy for Meals on Wheels is being cut - but Chief Minister Howard Quayle says there’s no need to appoint an older persons’ champion.

Tynwald already has a children’s champion, whose role is to work for the interests of children and ensure that government departments work together.

In October last year, Mr Quayle told the House of Keys he would be happy to investigate the need for an older persons’ champion.

But, despite controversial decisions such as the cut to Meals on Wheels subsidies and changes to health service provision - and with the possibility of the introduction of prescription charges for pensioners looming on the horizon - Mr Quayle has come out against the concept.

In a written answer to a House of Keys question tabled by Rob Callister (Onchan) - who mooted the idea a year ago - Mr Quayle said: ’Council of Ministers considers that the current representation for older people is sufficient.

’Within the Department of Health and Social Care, the member for social care has responsibility for many of the key services provided to older people. There is also a strong voice for older people from the third and voluntary sectors.’

He added: ’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.’

Under proposals that were put out to public consultation in the summer, state pensioners below the age of 75 would lose the right to free prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatment - a move that would save the cash-strapped DHSC £1m-plus a year.

Patients with specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes would no longer be able to apply for an exemption. Women who were pregnant or who had given birth in the past 12 months will also no longer be exempt.

As yet, however, no firm proposals have been put forward.