Commenting on the publication of a report by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales on community services, Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Older People, said:
“I welcome the publication of this report and its thorough assessment of the provision of community services for older people in Wales.
“The report is right to emphasise the lifelines that many community assets such as libraries, post offices, public toilets and transport links represent for older people.
“Many older people report that the biggest obstacle to enjoying a high quality of life is overcoming loneliness, which emphasises the importance of protecting community facilities which promote their independence.
“While local authorities in Wales may face a challenging financial settlement, they should avoid the easy option of cutting services and should be more innovative and efficient in the way they provide services.
“While we welcome the guidance the Older People’s Commissioner is set to issue to local authorities, there is also a role for the Welsh Government to make it easier for people to save and take over the running of community assets.”
