THOUSANDS of people aged over 50 are being asked to help improve services for older residents in Liverpool.

The Older People’s Panel will scrutinise council decisions affecting the lives of senior citizens.

Its members will also be able to make suggestions to influence council policy and each will be asked to chose an area of expertise to focus on.

Cllr John Clucas, assistant executive member for health and social care, will chair the panel. It will look at health, social services and other issues affecting the over-50s, including transport and accessible shopping.

Cllr Clucas added: “Liverpool is fortunate to already have many older people’s groups, but at the moment there is no clear process for their views to be considered by the NHS and the city council. We have a growing older population and an increasing demand for health and social care services, so it is absolutely crucial we reflect the needs and wants of the people we are providing the support for.

“The ambition is for the panel to look at those issues which matter to older people and make informed recommendations, which we can then act upon.

“As well as being a chance for people to have their say, we want to use membership of the panel as a way of improving communication about the services which are on offer.”