South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has used a question session in the Scottish Parliament to ask the Scottish Government what work it is undertaking to give greater representation to older people.

Speaking to Minister for Housing Paul McLennan, the local MSP demanded answers on the back of a recent survey which shows many older people feel they are being overlooked by Government.

Speaking in the chamber, Colin Smyth said: “A recent Independent Age survey showed that almost three quarters of those who are over 65 in Scotland think that the issues that they face are badly understood.

“Age Scotland’s recent “The Big Survey” revealed that just three per cent of respondents felt that it was easy for older people to have their voices heard by decision makers.

“Given that both surveys showed overwhelming support for having an older person’s commissioner for Scotland, why does the minister think that those older people are wrong?

“Why does he think that the work that he has described is not, in the view of older people, working for them?”

Colin Smyth is currently trying to bring forward a Bill to create a dedicated commissioner for older people in Scotland.

Under the proposal a dedicated commissioner in Scotland would be established to ensure the voices of people in later life are heard.

The Commissioner would have the power to hold public bodies to account and take up issues on behalf of older people including carrying out inquiries into the adequacy of services for older people.

The independent commissioner would also have a key role to tackle age discrimination and ageism across Scottish society.

Colin Smyth said: “Too many people in later life aren’t having the retirement they deserve, whether that’s because of difficulties getting the right care or money worries and older people increasingly feel invisible and powerless.

“But there is an opportunity to help fix this.

“I’ve joined forces with dozens of charities across Scotland to bring forward a bill before the Scottish Parliament to establish an Older People’s Commissioner in Scotland.

“A Commissioner would be independent champion to raise awareness of the issues people face in later life and to bring together decision makers to make change happen.

“As our older population grows and becomes increasingly diverse, an independent champion can help us make Scotland the best place in the world to grow old.”