Facing a novel situation in which the number of citizens over the state pension age exceeds those younger than 16, the UK is on a mission to make each village, town or city a place where the independence, well-being and participation of older people is supported and developed, and where the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society are addressed.

Host Country : United Kingdom

Place and date : London, 18. - 19.1.2011

Peer countries : Cyprus - Denmark - Finland - Hungary - Romania - Spain

Stakeholders : AGE, ESN

UK Government departments and agencies and other local umbrella organisations have been invited to sign up to a national commitment to translate this joint vision into practical, local responses.

A number of guiding principles, such as involving the whole community - tomorrow's older people as well as today's - promoting equity between different groups within communities, and maximising collaboration between statutory and non-governmental organisations, form the basis of the agreement. To ensure these pledges make a practical difference, the signatories have undertaken to develop activity plans and jointly review progress against the common vision.

The Peer Review will serve to assess the UK experience and to foster learning on how to release the creativity and energy of citizens, interest groups and policymakers to achieve a practical response to the demographic challenge at local level.  

Peer Review manager

Ms Ulrike Hiebl (ÖSB Consulting GmbH)