Responding to the King’s Speech delivered at the State Opening of Parliament today, David Sinclair, ILC’s Chief Executive, argued:

“The wide ranging and comprehensive package of legislative measures set out in today’s King’s Speech, includes several eye-catching Bills which could deliver transformative change. We’re delighted to see that the new Government has not been cowed by the powerful lobbies against introducing bans on tobacco or selling harmful products to children.

“We also welcome the emphasis on making work pay and the potential of the Skills England Bill to ensure employers can better support people to learn at all ages, and redesign jobs that people want and can do for as long as they wish. Similarly exciting is the potential of making better use of pensions scheme funds for investment to help fuel economic growth.

But we would once again urge the Government to not forget about demographic change if it is to deliver its ambitions for the population’s health and the economy across the country. For example, the proposals to update legislation around mental health must focus on meeting the needs of all people struggling with poor mental health by removing the multitude of barriers they face including ageist assumptions from employers, clinicians and society more generally.”

“Including people of all ages will also be vital as we consider how to revitalise our high streets and local economies. Older consumers already dominate consumer spending and by 2040, they could be spending 63p in every pound. But to tap into this potential, we need to ensure the planning reforms are inclusive and support people to stay healthy, so people can spend on the things they want. With greater ambition and imagination, our high streets could thrive, playing a role in tackling loneliness and helping the UK economy succeed.”

“We have a raft of bold ideas and solutions and look forward to working with Government, MPs and peers on the detail of several of the Bills announced today.”

Ends

Notes

The ILC’s report One hundred not out: A route map for long lives  sets out the challenges faced by a growing and ageing population and what solutions are needed to ensure healthier and productive longer lives.