Commissioner for Older People

Older people need a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.

Along with a number of other organisations, Age Scotland is campaigning for a Commissioner for Older People for Scotland.

The Commissioner would strengthen older people's voices and act as an independent champion ensuring they’re considered in decisions made right across Government.

We have long held the view that a Commissioner is needed in Scotland and asked prospective MSPs ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliament election to back this proposal.

Write to your MSP

On 13 June 2023, Colin Smyth, MSP for South of Scotland, launched a consultation to gather support for establishing the role of a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland. The consultation ran until 23rd October 2023.

In order for his proposal to establish a Commissioner for Older People to progress to the next stage, Colin Smyth MSP will need the support of at least 18 MSPs from across different parliamentary parties. Write to your MSP and encourage them to support the proposal - you can use our template letters to get ideas and get started.