Rebranding tired scheme won't help the elderly

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 30th Jan 2006

Sandra Giley MP - "Adding the word 'plus' doesn't make the scheme better"

Commenting on a programme called 'Link-Age Plus' announced last Friday by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (John Prescott's office) that intends to help deliver services to disadvantaged older people, Sandra Gidley MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Older People, said "It's no good adding the word 'plus' to a failed initiative and pretending it will make a difference."

Sandra went on to say "The Government are again recycling a tired policy. Link-Age was launched with the same fanfare in 2004, but 2 million pensioners are still below the poverty line and benefit take up is still embarrassing low. £10m for this 'Link Age Plus' scheme is a drop in the ocean compared to the swingeing cuts the government is forcing on the 'Supporting People' scheme, which helps support vulnerable people like the elderly.

"The real problems - Council Tax, complex means-tested pensions and benefits, and cuts in adult social services - won't be solved by rebranding."