By Bill Heaney
Scottish Labour has today (Friday 15 December) announced that Colin Smyth MSP will take on a new role as Scottish Labour’s Older Persons’ Champion.
The announcement comes as new analysis reveals homelessness among over 60s is rising faster than any other age group.
In 2022-23, a shocking 1,821 people aged 60 or older were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness – up by 28 per cent in a single year.
Scottish Labour has branded these figures a “scandal”, saying they highlight the need for a Commissioner to speak up for older people.
Older People’s Commissioner Colin Smyth MSP and Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Colin Smyth has proposed a Member’s Bill to establish an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland to represent older people’s interests and defend their rights.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said “This shameful rise in the number of older people facing homelessness drives home the need for change.
“Older people in Scotland are paying a harsh price for SNP and the Tory failure – but Labour will defend their rights.
“Colin Smyth will be a fantastic champion for older people and will drive forward the campaign for a Commissioner.”
Scottish Labour Older Person’s Champion Colin Smyth said “From the shameful way they were treating during the pandemic to the soaring levels of homelessness, older people in Scotland have been badly failed time and time again.
“Too often the rights of older people are ignored, which is why we need an independent Commissioner in Scotland to defend these rights.
“As Scottish Labour’s new Older Persons Champion I will stand up for older adults, celebrate the immense contribution they make, and continue to work to deliver a Commissioner.”
Table 8a: Age of main applicant for households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness: 2018-19 to 2022-23
| Age | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | Change 21-22 to 22-23 % |
| All | 29,339 | 32,242 | 10% |
| 16 to 17yrs | 927 | 935 | 1% |
| 18 to 24yrs | 5,814 | 6,080 | 5% |
| 25 to 34yrs | 9,443 | 9,918 | 5% |
| 35 to 49yrs | 8,932 | 10,172 | 14% |
| 50 to 59yrs | 2,800 | 3,316 | 18% |
| 60yrs and over | 1,423 | 1,821 | 28% |
Source: Homelessness in Scotland 2022-23
Colin Smyth’s Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill: https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-commissioner-for-older-people-scotland-bill