Cuts to older people's services

Commenting on today's news that a Wales Audit Office report is warning that important services to help older people live independently are being cut, Age Cymru's Head of Policy and Public Affairs Graeme Francis says: 

"Age Cymru accepts that money is tight and councils face difficult decisions but this report clearly shows that current decisions are building up problems for the future.

"We are very concerned that the Wales Audit Office found that four of the top-five services that support older people to live independently have been reduced, including community halls, public toilets, libraries and public transport.

"Welsh public services must ensure there is adequate investment in preventative community services and facilities as well as in formal health and social care.

"We need to get the balance right so that we are able to meet the complex and individual needs of older people across Wales both now and in the future in a country that is age friendly."