News

Consultation vital for changes to services

24.1.12

Over recent months, the Commission has been contacted by a number of people with concerns about the proposed changes to day centre services around Wales.

Ruth Marks, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, said: “As Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, my role is to ensure that the interests of older people in Wales are safeguarded and promoted.  It is vital that any plans to reconfigure services supporting the independence of older people should be prefaced by a thorough and transparent consultation, which considers the needs and best interests of the older people who use those services.  Clear, timely communication and a proper consultative process are of vital importance and local authorities should proactively engage with those affected by service changes.

“As Commissioner, I have written to a range of decision-makers across Wales, emphasising the need for rigorous and robust consultation processes to ensure that the impact of proposed changes on some of the most vulnerable people in our society is properly considered.

“My office and I will continue to promote these core principles as a fundamental part of any work that impacts on older people.”