Local government reorganisation also means that town and parish councils will play an even more important role in understanding, advocating for and meeting the needs of local residents. It’s vital that local councils pay particular attention to their older residents, ensuring that housing, transport, and health services consider the needs of different age groups.
To support town and parish councils make the most of these opportunities, the Centre for Ageing Better has produced its Town and Parish Guide, which sets out how local councils, and those that work with them, can take steps to ensure their town or parish supports and enables its older residents.
The guide has its roots in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Eight Domains of Age-friendly Communities, which specify the key areas of community life that can help to ensure that people age well.
Up and down the country, town and parish councils are stepping into this space to help create age-friendly communities. This existing work by the councils is creating tangible and positive differences to the lives of older people.
In Penzance, the council has introduced a Community Toilet Scheme, which has been running since 2017. The scheme provides clean and accessible toilet facilities in the community which are free for everyone to use.