An Older People's Commissioner for Scotland

That the Parliament notes the calls from organisations, including Age Scotland and Independent Age, for a new commissioner to champion the rights of older people in Scotland, to ensure that the long-term needs of people in later life are considered in policy and practice across government, that negative stereotypes are challenged and that positive views of ageing and the contribution older people make to society are promoted; acknowledges projections that Scotland's population is continuing to age and that there will be a 50% increase in the over 60s by 2033; highlights that new statistics from the Scottish Government, published in March 2023, reveal that, in 2019-22, 15% of pensioners in Scotland, almost one in six, were living in relative poverty after housing costs, compared with 14% in the previous period; believes that the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on older people, including in the South Scotland region; notes the view that this demonstrates more than ever the need to give older people a strong, independent voice to reflect their views and experiences and protect and promote their human rights; further notes that all four nations of the UK now have commissioners for children; understands that Wales and Northern Ireland already have commissioners who are improving the lives of older people, and that the campaign for a commissioner for England is reportedly growing all the time, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to investigate the need for an independent commissioner to support the interests, and amplify the voices, of older people in Scotland.