Livingstone backs direct payments

London mayor Ken Livingstone has pledged action on direct payments and older people’s mental health in a strategy for the capital’s older people.

The strategy, published this week, said the take-up of direct payments in London was not high enough and stressed the need for councils to raise awareness.

But the mayor’s office was unable to provide details on his plans, other than saying he would be “exploring an agenda for action” with the London Development Centre, part of the Care Services Improvement Partnership.

The mayor also said he would ensure the forthcoming strategic mental health framework for London addressed the mental health
needs of older people.

And Livingstone called on London councils to improve community services specifically targeted at older people.

The strategy was backed by Age Concern London chief executive Samantha Mauger, who hoped it would act as a “spur for co-ordinated action” to improve services for older people in London.

● Valuing Older People