Clause 3
Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [Lords]
12:30 pm
Mark Williams (Shadow Minister, Education & Skills; Ceredigion, Liberal Democrat)
There is obviously a great deal of overlap between amendment No. 22, what the hon. Gentleman said, and amendment No. 21, which would add the air ambulance in Wales, the ambulance services and voluntary organisations to the health and social care organisations that are covered by schedule 2.
Both amendments would expand the list of bodies and agencies that the commissioner can review. Amendment No. 21 would add health agencies which are, as the hon. Gentleman said, topical in light of the review that is being unexpectedly undertaken. It would also add voluntary organisations, many of which undertake wonderful work in Wales to provide care and services for the elderly. Many of the organisations have a hands-on role—for example, the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and the country cars scheme—and it is fitting that they should receive appropriate scrutiny by the commissioner.
Amendment No. 22 revisits ground that we have talked about at length. It would allow the commissioner to review UK-wide agencies that provide vital services in Wales and covers pensions, benefits, justice and job services, which are not currently listed in schedule 2. Broadening the schedule would give the commissioner an important voice in an important area.
It is important to remember the practicalities. We want to have a real effect on the lives of people in Wales. It will be confusing for many vulnerable constituents to draw the dividing line between devolved and non-devolved matters and those that are reserved. A line in the sand that dictates the commissioner’s role and remit will not matter a great deal to the average older person in Wales who has legitimate concerns and grievances. They want a strong advocate and representative who can help them with all the major issues they face. If the Bill is enacted without such amendments, many people will be concerned that although they have been given someone to champion their causes, he or she can achieve very little. That is why things as fundamental as pensions and tax credits should be part of an expanded role for the commissioner beyond the sadly narrow confines of the existing devolution settlement.