Christine Grahame MSP hosted the event at the Scottish Parliament.
Others speakers were Tom Berney Chair, SOPA; Lucy Manson Community Action Manager, Citizens Advice Scotland; and Sheila Scobie Director, Scotland Competition and Markets Authority. They joined guests at the reception to discuss older people as consumers, understanding their needs, conflicts and challenges, and the role of MSPs in contributing to potential solutions.
Lucy Manson highlighted a recent ‘Cost of Living’ report which found huge price differences in local shops, with poorest and rural areas hardest hit. See Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service Report.
Sheila Scobie reported the CMA has launched a public consultation until 12 July 2018 on draft consumer law advice for care homes for elderly people. Many of the consumer protection issues covered in the draft advice were highlighted during the CMA’s year-long market study into how well the care homes sector was working. It identified concerns that some care homes may be treating residents unfairly and potentially infringing consumer law. Copies of the draft advice and consultation document can be found on the UK Government website.
Information Stalls: ACEIT Computer Training for Older Citizens, Action on Elder Abuse, Citizens Advice Scotland, Generations Working Together, National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland, and Trading Standards Scotland.
Pictures:
Top left: Alan Spinks National Federation of Occupational Pensioners. (SOPA sponsor)
Lower left: 2 Ruth Mendall and Emily Liddle, Citizens Advice Scotland
Right: John Docherty Trustee and Dolina Gorman, Manager of AceIT
