OPAAL speaking up on your behalf
Older people’s voices must be heard when government seeks to make changes to pension policy.
OPAAL has joined forces with the Pension Security Alliance, a group of businesses, campaigners and pensions professionals, to raise awareness of government plans to allow “surplus” money to be “extracted” from final salary pension schemes, without consulting the policy holders themselves. It is our grave concern that the removal of funds from private defined benefit pension schemes could be contrary to transparency, fairness and the rights of pension policy holders. OPAAL strongly urges government to ensure that any changes to pension policy are subject to full and meaningful consultation with those most directly affected – the pension scheme members themselves.
The voices of older people must not be an afterthought in policymaking. They are the rightful stakeholders in these pension schemes as they have supported them throughout their working lives, and depend on them in retirement.
OPAAL continues to call for a Commissioner for older people and ageing in England
OPAAL is committed to the premise that England urgently needs a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing—a dedicated, independent champion to ensure that the rights, voices, and wellbeing of older people are placed at the heart of public policy and decision-making.
As our population ages, the opportunities and challenges of later life are growing. Yet older people continue to face inequalities in health, housing, social care, digital access, and financial security. Too often, their experiences are overlooked, their contributions undervalued, and their voices unheard. Advocacy organisations like ours work tirelessly to support and empower older people, but systemic change requires leadership at the highest level.
A Commissioner for Older People and Ageing would:
Act as an independent champion, ensuring older people’s experiences shape national policy.
Hold government and public bodies to account for delivering fair, age-inclusive services.
Promote dignity, independence, and choice, recognising the diversity of experiences in later life.
Tackle ageism, challenge discrimination, and shift public attitudes around ageing.
Ensure long-term planning, so policies today meet the needs of tomorrow’s older generations.
Other parts of the UK—Wales and Northern Ireland—already benefit from Commissioners who have delivered meaningful improvements to the lives of older citizens. England should not be left behind.
OPAAL stands with older people, advocacy partners, and community organisations across the country in calling for this vital role. Now is the time for government to commit to a strong, independent Commissioner for Older People and Ageing, ensuring every person can grow older with dignity, security, and a voice that is heard.