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Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill

Colin Smyth MSP has introduced this Member’s Bill. It will establish a Commissioner for Older People for Scotland.

This is a Member's bill

The Bill was introduced on 2 April 2025.

Introduced: the Bill and its documents

Overview

The Commissioner for Older People will promote and safeguard the rights and interests of older people in Scotland. 

The Bill defines “older people” as those who are aged 60 years old and over.

The Commissioner will have various roles, including: 

  • promoting awareness and understanding of the rights and interests of older people
  • reviewing law, policy and practice relating to the rights and interests of older people
  • undertaking research on matters relating to older people

The Commissioner will also have the power to investigate decisions and actions taken by those who provide services to older people.

Why the Bill was created

Colin Smyth MSP believes that an independent commissioner would champion the rights and interests of older people. 

Having a commissioner would enable the challenges faced by older people to be considered in law, policy and practice.

A commissioner would also be able to celebrate and highlight the achievements, skills and experiences of older people.

Accompanying Documents

Explanatory Notes (199KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Policy Memorandum (310KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Financial Memorandum (219KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Statements on legislative competence (108KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Accompanying Documents (print versions)

Explanatory Notes (291KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Policy Memorandum (364KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Financial Memorandum (276KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Statements on legislative competence (158KB, pdf) posted 02 April 2025

Research on the Bill

The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist MSPs in their examination of Bills and other parliamentary business.

A research briefing will be published in due course.

The Bill was introduced on 2 April 2025