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2nd July 2009
The Government has recently outlined further proposals to ban age discrimination, this time aimed specifically at older people.
The consultation document “Equality Bill: Making it work – ending age discrimination in services and public functions” outlines proposals for a ban on age discrimination when, for instance, older people buy goods or use services in shops and hospitals or when they access car and holiday insurance. At the same time, it would still allow certain benefits to continue such as discounts for pensioners.
The changes would cover three main areas - health and social care; financial services; and other services, including commercial services such as group holidays and concessions for particular age groups.
Among other things, the document:
• Proposes requiring providers of financial services and insurance to be transparent and publish the evidence that justifies treating people of different ages accordingly, because of differences in risk. It also seeks views on ways to help people find the right insurance policy through signposting or referrals to other insurers
• Proposes exceptions from the age discrimination ban to ensure that other beneficial age-based activities, such as holidays for people of particular ages, can continue
• Proposes that car hire companies should not be able to refuse to hire cars to older people
• Invites views on the timetable for implementing the age discrimination ban.
The Government says it will bring the new law into force in phases, starting with “those sectors which are most ready to comply”. It is expected that the legislation will be in force in all sectors, with the exception of health and social care, by 2012.
The consultation runs until 30th September 2009. To download a copy of the document, go to: www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/13511%20GEO%20Consultation%206th.pdf