Livingstone tells London councils to improve services for older people

Ken Livingstone has called on London’s councils to improve community services targeted at older people. 

In London’s first strategy for over-50s, Valuing Older People, which was launched today, the London mayor said targeted community services would be best delivered by councils through local area agreements.

A spokesperson for Livingstone said services had “declined in recent years”, despite the positive impact they had on the lives of older people.

The strategy also outlines proposals for an economic review of whether pensioners in the capital should receive a London-weighted state pension.

It said a consultation leading up to the strategy showed there was “overwhelming support” for such a move.

Age Concern London backed the plans. It chief executive, Samantha Mauger, said she hoped the strategy would act as a “spur for co-ordinated action” to fight ageism and improve services for older people in London.