OLDER people in Mid and West Wales will be given a greater say over the services they use with today's appointment of a Commissioner for Older People.
Labour Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales JOYCE WATSON AM has welcomed the appointment of Ruth Marks as the new Commissioner by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Commissioner's post - believed to be the first of its kind in the world - will protect and strengthen the rights of older people in Wales.
JOYCE WATSON AM said:
"I'm delighted that Ruth Marks will be our first Older People's Commissioner. I have worked closely with Ruth over the years and I know she will be an effective and strong voice for our older people, both listening and acting on their behalf.
"I hope to continue our good working relationship across a range of issues, particularly in my role as chair of the Assembly committee preparing for the proposed legislation on the charging for home care services in Wales.
"As Rural Affairs Spokesperson I will also be looking for her to address rural challenges such as isolation and service provision across our communities."
Joyce added:
"Thanks to a better health service and healthier lifestyles more of us are living longer and healthier lives - but we need action to safeguard the rights of older people.
"Welsh Labour promised to create a role for a Commissioner for Older People in Wales and today's appointment shows how committed Welsh Labour is to involve older people in making the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives.
"The new Commissioner will look at ways of improving the services that the Assembly Government and NHS provide older people and will be a champion for older people across Wales.
"Welsh Labour values older people and wants to ensure that older people who are struggling to make ends meet or who may be suffering from abuse or neglect are given the voice they need to protect their rights.
"That's why the Labour-led Assembly Government has already announced over £76 million to improve home care charges for older people and is seeking the power to make these charges fairer for older people across Wales."
