Hot button issues for the elderly such as keeping warm in winter have recently been discussed at a meeting in Reading.

The Older Person's Working Group is a forum for the elderly which convenes at Reading Borough Council's offices every quarter.

At each meeting, the elderly have an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to council staff, councillors and partner organisations.

The latest meeting was held recently. One of the first topics was a debrief on Older People’s Day, which was held at Broad Street Mall on October 1.

At the event, held in conjunction with Age UK Berkshire, people could get advice, free health and hearing checks, a benefits check and a pension credit surgery.

Dayna White, a neighbourhoods and partnerships manager for the council, said footfall for the event was two per cent up on 2023, up to 1,150 attendees. Staff on hand conducted 32 health checks.

A view of the stalls at Broad Street Mall in Reading for the International Day for Older Persons.A view of the stalls at Broad Street Mall in Reading for the International Day for Older Persons. (Image: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Virginia Day, a member who attended the meeting remotely, said: "We thought it was slow in the morning, I'm surprised it was two per cent up.

"The criticism from people that wasn't enough shown for the programme. I didn't think it had been advertised to the public in the mall the way we had discussed. It could have been improved on."

Her feedback was taken on board by the organisers.

READ MORE: Insight given into the organisations helping the elderly age with dignity in Reading

The day coincided with The United Nations International Day of Older Persons.

A crucial part of the meeting discussed support for the elderly this winter as the Labour government has cut the winter fuel payment of £200 or £300 to only those in receipt of pension credit and certain other means-tested benefits.

Previously the payment to help with heating bills was paid to all pensioners, no matter their personal finances.

The council is encouraging people who believe they are eligible to apply for pension credit. It has already contacted 175 households it believes are eligible to begin a claim.

Furthermore, the council will be paying pensioners £200 from its household support fund to those who do not qualify for pension credit but do receive council tax reduction.

More information on the support the council will provide is due to be released soon.

The group also discussed what 'co-production' in adult social care means.

Councillor Paul Gittings (Labour, Coley), chair of the group said: "Co-production is a terrible word, but it's a really important concept. This Government is taking it seriously."

Members of the group even discussed how it will function in the future.

It was noted that it is not attended as well as it used to be.

One of the members called John said there was previously an organisation called the Old Persons Partnership, which met at Greyfriars Church.

He joked: "The refreshments were much better there than here [the council offices]. 

In reply, cllr Gittings quipped:  "That's austerity for you."

John argued the set-up of the partnership worked well, and helped torpedo a plan to make the Inner Distributor Road (IDR) one way in the 2000s.

Laurence Berks, a regular member, said: "I think this group does great stuff. We have so much to offer. Reading needs more panel discussion.

"This group must evolve into something similar but better. We have a great opportunity for influence."

The contributions and suggestions were noted. 

You can register to join the OIder Person's Working Group by emailing opwg@reading.gov.uk.

Once registered, members will be emailed when meetings are held.

 You can also turn up to meetings as they are held in public.

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2025, with the last meeting being held on Friday, October 18.