Newsletters

LABOUR TAKES CHARGE

July 4^th saw the re-election of Rachael Maskell as Labour MP for York Central with an increased majority of over 19,000.

In York Outer, Luke Charters became the Labour MP, overtaking a 10,000 majority of the former Conservative MP, Julian Sturdy. Luke was educated at Huntington School before obtaining a degree from Oxford University in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He polled 23,161 votes, a majority of over 9,000.

Together with the election of David Skaith as the Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, the whole area has turned red. It is now up to the new Labour Government to recognise the needs of older people and deliver commitments in their manifesto to build an NHS fit for the future including:

• cutting NHS waiting times, with 40,000 more appointments every week
• doubling the number of cancer scanners
• a new dentistry rescue plan
• 8,500 additional mental health staff
• create a National Care Service with national standards delivering consistency of care across the country.

Statements by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer are not encouraging however and Winter Fuel Payments are now restricted to those in receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits.  However, the commitment to pensioners to maintain the “triple lock” under which pensions will rise in accordance with inflation, earnings, or a minimum of 2.5% is retained.

You can contact your MP by emailing:

rachael.maskell.mp@parliament.uk

luke.charters.mp@parliament.uk

AGE SHALL NOT MATTER!!

Brian Hall, a man who has had a triple heart by-pass in his 50s has just completed his first 10k race for life at the age of 91. He is part of the City of York Council Champions scheme ensuring older people can keep fit and reduce the levels of social isolation many feel.  Brian’s keep fit group meets at 10am every Monday at the New Earswick bowls club.

NEW CARE HOME OPENS

The refurbished and extended Haxby Hall is now open for new residents. It offers 63 en-suite rooms and includes a full beauty salon and hairdressing suite together with an in-house bar and restaurant in a separate dining room.

In addition, the scheme offers large gardens and a bowling green. It is owned and managed by Yorkare who have 12 other schemes in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with a further five under construction.

ACTIVE SENIORS

Age UK York has teamed up with York Leisure Centre to offer a weekly activity session specifically for older residents (60+).

Participants can meet with others to play badminton, table tennis, pickle ball or attend an aqua class. You get to choose what you take part in, and no experience is necessary – come along and try something new. Free tea and coffee are available, and the centre has a cafe if you work up an appetite.

Sessions run each Tuesday between 11am to 1.30pm and each session is £5.50 per participant. Sessions take place at York Leisure Centre, Catherine Avenue, Monks Cross.

ASSISTED DYING BILL TO BE RECONSIDERED

The Assisted Dying Bill, which was thrown out in 1995 by a huge majority is to be reconsidered by Parliament. Introduced again by Lord Falconer, there was a commitment by all party leaders that they would make time for a fresh debate.

The new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting said, “the time for debate on this divisive issue has come”.  With a vast majority of the public supporting “the right to choose” and a very changed composition of the House of Commons, the outlook for change is on the horizon.

CARERS CENTRE AND ST. LEONARD’S HOSPICE

The July Open Meeting of the Assembly received presentations from Alison Wheatley on behalf of the Carers Centre and Ann Keogh from St. Leonards Hospice.

Carers Centre

They currently have over 4000 older people registered with them and employ 28 paid members of staff with support from 40 volunteers.  The centre offers:

• Information and advice
• Someone to talk to and access emotional support
• Opportunities to meet other carers through social events
• courses and work shops
• carers assessments and ongoing support

They have staff based at the hospital and are involved in discharge planning. They undertake assessments to ensure that carers know their rights and entitlements.  All support is free for unpaid carers.

They are based at 17 Priory Street and can be contacted on 01904 715490. The office is staffed from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Fridays.

St. Leonards Hospice

Established in 1985 and based at 185 Tadcaster Road the Hospice can be contacted on 01904 777770. It prides itself on having helped hundreds of families since its creation.

In particular, it has expert end of life care for terminally ill patients including those with life limiting illness such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease and other respiratory and neurological problems.  Like so many charities it is always having to raise money in addition to that provided by local and central government. 

Doctor Bill Hulme, medical director said “we are very proud of the excellent care we provide to all our patients, our mission is to create a relaxed and supportive relationship, where the needs of each patient are the priority.  This could be in the Hospice itself or in the patient’s own home. This is only possible through the generosity of people leaving gifts in wills.  They really do make a difference”.

CARE QUALITY COMMISSION (CQC) – NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE

The new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting has concluded that the CQC set up to ensure standards in health and social care are met is failing badly.

This organisation regulates 15000 care homes, 1200 hospitals, 11500 dentists, 8600 G.P.s and Home Care..  A recent report identified major failings in highlighting poor performances in many services inspected.

The results of the CQC inspections are often reported in the local paper. However, there is often a difference between the CQC findings and local patients’ experiences.

YORK 50+ FESTIVAL 2024

This year’s festival takes place from the 23^rd September to the 8^th October. Programme brochures are available from local Explore Libraries, community hubs, St. Sampson Centre, Visit York, and many other places.  Full details of the programme are at www.yorkassembly.org.uk/50-festival/ including a summary by themes, such as socials, advice and information, walks, talks, sports and leisure activities.  For more information contact yorkfiftyplus@gmail.com or phone 01904 332613 or 07920162034

YORK CELEBRATES UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PEOPLE

In a changing and challenging world, the Assembly brings together those working with older people to celebrate the contribution they make to our community.

The Celebration Parade

On Saturday September 28^th a diverse crowd of supporters will be gathering at York Theatre Royal at mid-day.  The venue will be festooned with creative butterflies and we will progress, waving yet more butterflies through Museum Gardens towards St. Helens Square, to be greeted by the Lord Mayor and Civic Party.  There will be music and dance in the square and we will then move on for tea at St. Sampson’s Centre – celebrating their golden anniversary – 50 years of community services.

On the 13^th November 1974, her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother officially opened St. Sampson’s Centre for Old People in the redundant church in the centre of the city. For six years the church had stood empty and unused, before York Civic Trust was able to arrange its conversion into an older people’s centre.

On Tuesday 1^st October, there will be celebrations all day for the party. In the morning there will be music and games as well as information stalls provided by OCAY, AGE UK, The Samaritans, YOPA and York CCVS. St. Sampson’s will be capturing memories and dreams for the Centre from customers, linking into the International Day of Older People’s theme for this year. There will be an exhibition of the history of the centre in the church and the chapel. There will also be a vintage sale in the courtyard. There will be more music and games in the afternoon, along with the drawing of the Birthday Raffle. Please go along and join in the fun.

CARERS ALLOWANCE SCANDAL – FOLLOW UP

The last newsletter highlighted the scandal where if a carer received only a tiny amount above the maximum of £151 they could earn without affecting their benefit of £81.90, the whole of the benefit must be repaid.

The new government has appointed Stephen Timms as Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, with a brief to review the handling of the benefit now claimed by about 1 million unpaid carers. We look forward to a positive result and an end to the hard-hearted approach by the Dept. of Work and Pensions.

COUNCIL FACES SPENDING CUTS

Mounting financial pressures are forcing the Council to consider cuts in services or higher charges.  For example, 37p in every pound is spent on Adult Social Care.

Increasing demand for services and an ageing population are contributing to these pressures.  The Council has introduced a garden waste subscription scheme.  It currently costs £46.50 per bin for collection from early March to early December (40 weeks).

The scheme was introduced on 5^th August 2024 and a pro rata charge of £21 applies for this year. For those receiving council tax support, a 50% discount applies and the charge for this year is £10.50.

WINTER FUEL CLAIMANTS – CHANGES FOR 2024

Introduced in 2003 by Gordon Brown, the payment was provided on a universal basis to all pensioners.  For the current year this is worth up to £350. In future it will be restricted to those receiving Pension or Universal Credit.

Whilst the Assembly understands there are many pensioners who do not need this benefit, the cut off of Pension Credit is far too restrictive.  It is calculated that up to 34,000 pensioners in York will no longer be entitled to the allowance. The take up of Pension Credit in York is very low, at 2780.  Pension Credit lifts the basic State Pension from £169.50 to £218.15 and adds other benefits e.g free TV licence to over 75 yr olds.  York Citizens Advice believe many more could be helped.  Please contact them on 0808 2787895.

Jim Cannon, Chair of the Assembly is seeking to set up a meeting with the two MP’s, Rachael Maskell and Luke Charters, to explore alternatives. As Rachael has said, “nobody should have to worry about turning on their heating.”

An article by Martin Lewis, the money saving expert can be found at

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/07/eligibility-changes-winter-fuel-payment/

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Please note: the Annual Meeting of York Older People’s Assembly, will be held at 2 pm on Monday 21st October 2024 at The Friends Meeting House, Friargate.

A buffet lunch will be available from 1 pm in the Penn Room.

Nominations for elections to the Executive Committee should be sent to The Secretary, by post or email, using the above addresses, by the 30th September 2024.