Jun 21 2008by Kelly Fenna, Daily Post
Marks: I’ll ease fuel price blow for our elderly
ELDERLY people’s champion Ruth Marks yesterday pledged she would strive to help manage the looming energy bill hikes set to hit over-60s across North Wales this winter.
Wales’s new Older People’s Commissioner said she will work closely with the region’s six local authorities to ensure OAPs claim every grant and benefit available to get them through winter.
It comes after predictions average heating bills would increase by 40% (an average £400), in the wake of soaring gas prices.
Ms Marks stopped short of announcing any additional funding to help the worst affected – particularly those in rural areas.
But she said she would strive to work with local councils, the Department ghd mk4 black styler of Work and Pensions and fuel companies to get the best deal for pensioners.
“I want to work closely with the various different organisations and associations to make sure that people claim every single penny entitled to them through benefits and grants.
“I don’t want older people to have to worry about getting through the winter and so I will make sure I enlist the help of local councils to assist and advice people about the help and support that is available to them.”
Ms Marks said she also wanted to encourage lonely, isolated, vulnerable and disabled people to speak out about their needs.
Dozens of older people from across North Wales this week flocked to Venue chi flat irons Cymru in Llandundo to tell Ms Marks about the issues that affect them in their day-to-day life.
The issues raised at the event, the first of its kind in the country, ranged from health and social care, the benefits system, abuse, hospital waiting lists to transport and cheap ghd straighteners accommodation.
The commissioner said dignity and respect ghd iv styler for older people were a major “sticking point” in society and among her priorities for the future.
She also pledged to support pensioners who suffer mental, physical and financial abuse at the hands of carers and their families.
It comes after the Daily Post revealed cases of abuse have rocketed across North Wales with more than 1,000 allegations of physical, sexual, verbal and financial abuse against vulnerable adults recorded since ghd hair straighteners 2006.
The 46-year-old former director of RNIB Cymru said her role would be “challenging” in light of the shocking figures that show abuse in Conwy and Denbighshire has rocketed by 50%.
“These figures are appalling and we need to reverse the trend and stand up for our older people.
“Circumstances of abuse have always been there, but they are more apparent now because of better policies, complaints procedures and whistle blowing,” she said.
“This is not a new phenomenon but we need to encourage more people to speak out. To address the problem we need to promote more training and awareness for older people and staff working within care settings.”
kellyfenna