DUP CONSULTATIONS

OLDER PEOPLE

Significant demographic change is occurring in Northern Ireland and Government must take this into account in planning for the future. Delivery for older people has always been a key priority for the DUP. We are justifiably proud of our record including introducing free travel and pioneering the Warm Homes Scheme. Since the restoration of devolution in 2007, DUP representatives have been active in delivering for our senior citizens, and this work has been complemented by our Parliamentary team at Westminster.

The DUP has identified 15 key priorities for older people:

• Higher state pension, linked to earnings
• Increased Winter Fuel Payment
• More flexible Warm Homes Scheme
• Single telephone number to deal with all benefit enquiries
• Full or substantial proportion of personal care costs contributed from public purse
• Re-examine reductions in benefits for pensioners with disability or entitled to Carer’s Allowance
• Individual care plans
• Comprehensive well-resourced strategy for dementia care
• More user-friendly information for older people about health conditions they suffer
• Strong integrated community safety strategy for older people
• Consideration of developing retirement villages offering access to a range of on-site services
• Improved access to public transport for those in isolated areas
• Legislate for Older Person’s Commissioner
• Retain network of local post offices
• Consider legislation to protect against elder abuse