Age UK responds to the Queen's Speech

On Social Care:

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK and Co-Chair of CSA (Care Support Alliance) said: “We’re pleased the Queen’s Speech said that the Government intends to bring forward proposals on adult social care but are conscious the Government only mentioned older people,  and seems to be ignoring the fact  that working age adults and carers rely on social care too. Also, we’ve been here before and ultimately been badly let down. The sooner the Government publishes its ideas the better - older people and disabled people and their families and carers have been left hanging for far too long.” 

On Voter ID:

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “We don’t yet know the detail of the Government’s proposals but on the face of it the idea of requiring every voter to show photographic ID is of enormous concern. Many, possibly most older people do not possess any photographic ID, so the idea is a non-starter unless or until photographic ID becomes something we are all expected to have as citizens and we all actually do have. That’s a big shift from where we are now.” 

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

Age UK

We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).