COPA is a politically impartial Registered Charity. But we are aiming to influence the content in respect of older people in the Manifestos of all political parties standing in the Welsh Senedd/Parliament Elections in 2026.
Our “Manifesto” of what COPA wants for Older People is summarised below and attached. It is being published for consultation until 30 July 2025. Comments should be sent to: Cymru.older.peoples.alliance@gmail.com or posted to our address:
COPA c/o Age Cymru Offices, Mariners House, Trident Court, East Moors Road, Cardiff, CF24 5TD
- Engagement and Participation of Older People – Meaningful, effective engagement and participation of older people on a consistent basis across all of Wales is needed.
- Increased support from Welsh Government to tackle the impact of cost of living rises (including the impact of reductions to Winter Payments and reform of the Welfare system) must be informed by the voice of older people in Wales
- Reform for Social Care for older people must be accelerated through a new funding model that provides the resources to meet best practice standards.
- Radical change to the Paying for Care arrangements is needed so that they are based on key principles of equity and fairness and implemented from the earliest possible date.
- An end to ageism and age discrimination wherever it occurs.
- Abuse of Older People in all its forms must be addressed
- Age Friendly Communities (AFCs) need to be developed in all areas of Wales and recognised as an essential starting point to ensure that the civil and human rights of older people are upheld.
- Early intervention and prevention services for older people must be delivered more effectively and consistently
- Carers must always receive their legal right to an assessment and where required also have their identified needs met.
- Eradicating digital exclusion of Older People by default
- An effective, safe, affordable, reliable, accessible and integrated transport system across bus and rail services must be achieved through timely implementation of the Bus Services Bill
- A higher priority must be given to tackling isolation and loneliness amongst older people
- Housing must be fit for all older people whatever their circumstances, with more viable and innovative accommodation options for older people as they age