Burstow named champion of older people's rights

12.00.00am GMT Mon 5th Dec 2005

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow was last week named Older People's Champion at the annual epolitix Charity Champion awards which recognise the hard work and effort of parliamentarians of all parties in supporting the voluntary sector.

Paul Burstow was nominated for this award by housing and care providers Servite Housing and voted for by parliamentarians from the House of Commons and House of Lords.

This award coincides with a private member's Bill Paul Burstow is announcing this week to strengthen the rights of older people who use care services.

Servite Housing, who nominated Paul Burstow MP for Older People's Champion said of Paul:

"Mr Paul Burstow MP deserves this award because of his outstanding commitment to speaking on and behalf of disabled and older people. His record speaks for itself. He has made a significant difference through speaking up for older people, campaigning and giving his support to appropriate legislation, and has devoted his time and expertise to raising the profile of the care sector.

"Apart from the lone voice of Paul Burstow MP, care services for older people have never received the political attention that they deserve. Due to their situation, limited because of physical or mental frailty, many older people are disenfranchised. Only now are the political parties catching on to an ageing population that will have tremendous influence at the ballot box. It is hoped that when the political focus moves to older people those that receive a care service, whether at home or in a care or nursing home, will not be ignored.

"Paul has not chased the grey vote. He has proved his commitment to older people's services over many years and has consistently spoken up for older and disabled people trapped in a system where, due to a lack of appropriate central and local government funding, their rights and choices are restricted. He has challenged the system of providing care services as well as challenging the providers of services. And all the time has maintained the rights of older people and confronted age discrimination. Paul has been a vocal supporter for improvements in services for those caring for older people and has been outspoken on issues of poor practice in care such as care homes not meeting medication standards.

"Paul has provided a significant and influential contribution to the continuing debate on older people's services. Whenever there is any debate in parliament, on radio or television his is the voice that speaks with knowledge of the issues facing people who are old and need care. He has understanding and compassion for what is 'right' in the provision of care and this is particularly so for those that cannot speak up for themselves.

"As a provider of care, support and housing for older people, Servite Houses commends Paul for his tireless work in supporting and raising issues on services which affect us and our customers. Paul Burstow's clear commitment to the causes which he supports and his willingness to stand up and speak for older people's rights is why Servite Houses supports his nomination as the charity champion for older people."

ENDS.