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 and is at Stage 1

Stage: Introduced Stage: Stage 1 Stage: Stage 2 Stage: Stage 3 Stage: Act

This Bill is at Stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act.

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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.

All Bills introduced in the Parliament must be accompanied by specific documents. For most Bills, this includes:

Explanatory Notes: this document provides an overview of what the Bill does, plus a more detailed explanation of individual provisions.

Policy Memorandum: this sets out the objectives of the Bill. It also lists any alternatives considered, details of consultations, and an assessment of the effects of the Bill on a range of areas.

Financial Memorandum: this sets out estimates of costs, savings, and any changes to revenues expected to result from the Bill.

Delegated Powers Memorandum: this is needed if a Bill gives powers to make subordinate legislation or allows Scottish Ministers to issue directions, guidance or codes of practice.

Statements on legislative competence: two short statements, one by the Presiding Officer and one by the Member introducing the Bill. “Legislative competence” means the powers the Parliament has to make law.

Research on the Bill

The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist ��˿�� 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

At Stage 1, the Bill is given to a lead committee. This is usually the committee whose remit most closely relates to the subject of the Bill. The lead committee will consider and report on the Bill. Other committees may also examine the Bill and report to the lead committee. Finally, there is a debate and vote by all ��˿�� on the general principles of the Bill. If the general principles are not agreed to, then the Bill ‘falls’ and can’t become law.

Lead committee examines the Bill

The lead committee for this Bill is the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

The lead committee will usually examine the Bill through evidence sessions. This will involve contributions from individuals and organisations, known as 'witnesses', with knowledge of the subject matter. The committee might also discuss the Bill in private sessions.

Stage 1 report by the lead committee

The lead committee will publish a Stage 1 report before the debate on the general principles of the Bill.

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