Public Consultation on Age Discrimination Legislation launched

Independent MLA, Claire Sugden, has launched a public consultation on new legislation to tackle age discrimination in goods, facilities and services – calling it a crucial step toward recognising the value of older people and closing a longstanding gap in Northern Ireland’s equality laws.

Linda Robinson, Age NI Chief Executive comments:

‘Age NI welcomes the launch of this public consultation on new legislation to tackle age discrimination in goods, facilities and services.

Along with many older people we have been calling for legal reform for over a decade.  Age does not have parity with other protected characteristics in Northern Ireland and this needs to change urgently.  This consultation provides an opportunity for this issue to be progressed.

We are encouraging older people to get involved and have their say on what they would like to see included in Claire Sugden’s Private Members Bill.’

Northern Ireland is now the only region of UK or Ireland without legal protection against age discrimination outside of employment. The proposed Bill would bring NI into line with other regions by making it unlawful to treat someone unfairly because of their age when accessing services like financial products, transport, insurance or healthcare.

The consultation will run until 20 June 2025 and responses can be submitted online at: https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/legislation/2022-2027-mandate/non-executive-bill-proposals/