Michael Foster MP has published a new consultation on ending age discrimination and is inviting local residents to have their say.

In his role as Minister for Equalities the MP has outlined further proposals for a new legal ban on harmful age discrimination. This will make sure older people do not face unfair or substandard treatment when they are buying goods or using services, such as in shops, hospitals, or when accessing car and holiday insurance.

The consultation “Equality Bill: Making it work – ending age discrimination in services and public functions” sets out how legislation will enable things that are beneficial to continue such as age-based holidays and discounts for pensioners.

Banning age discrimination is particularly important as the population ages: by 2050, over half of the UK’s population will be over 50 years old.

Michael Foster, MP for Hastings and Rye, said:

“Older people make a significant contribution to society and it is totally wrong if they are treated unfairly. They must not be denied a full role in society. We all lose out if people are excluded and it is particularly silly to let that happen because people are getting older; it happens to us all.

“Today’s consultation is about making sure beneficial treatment can continue, such as discounts for pensioners, while harmful age discrimination is consigned to the past. I want anyone who is interested to contribute, just go online or give my office a call and we can send you a copy of the consultation.”

The ban on discrimination could mean that an older person is offered lifestyle advice after suffering a heart attack, which may currently only be offered to younger people, or that older people get better access to travel and car insurance.

For a copy of the consultation document log on to www.equalities.gov.uk/news/age_consultation.aspx or call Michael Foster’s office on 01424 460070.