Winchester Tories are proposing a local champion for the elderly to look after the interests of older people.

Freddie Allgood, the Conservative leader, is asking the City Council to appoint a member of the Cabinet to make sure that the needs of older people are properly addressed.

Mr Allgood said: "Older people are suffering at present as a result of several government actions. The derisory pension increase of 75 pence a week was one example. The taxing of private pensions is another. And the huge increase in petrol tax hit many pensioners very hard. It is no wonder that many older people feel no one listens to them or is interested in their welfare.

"The local authorities have found that working with elderly people had helped to improve the quality of their lives, " Mr Allgood said.

"As a result there is a higher profile for issues affecting the elderly, more opportunity for the older people to have their say, new programmes of learning and volunteering created and different departments of the council have worked together in partnerships."

Councillor Allgood pointed out that Winchester City Council spends a great deal of time considering projects to assist young people.

"But it is also right that the older people need a champion too."

Projects for older people in the district include specialised housing, meals on wheels, The council will consider proposal on Thursday.