Published Date:
20 February 2009
In June last year the government took an important step forward – it finally acknowledged the injustices faced by older people every day in accessing basic goods and services.
It promised to abolish the last 'ism' permitted in our society, by banning age discrimination in the planned Equality Bill.
The decision was long overdue, but now senior citizens face an even longer wait before they get any protection from
discrimination.
An 18-month government review of dealing with ageism in health and social care threatens to push the passing of any new law well past the next election – and at that point the chance for change could well be lost.
This is a huge disappointment. I've written to my MP asking him to sign Early Day Motion 458 to call for swift action to ban discrimination. I urge Express readers to do the same by supporting Help the Aged Just Equal Treatment campaign. Take action by going to www.helpthe aged.org.uk/justequaltreatment or calling 0207 2391982.
Older people who are being denied vital healthcare, or are struggling to buy insurance, cannot afford to wait.
E M Webster,
Cherry Garth,
Hemsworth
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Last Updated:
20 February 2009 9:49 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
