Grey power is a significant factor in the United States, with effective lobbies able to put pressure on their government.

But in Britain, many old folk have generally failed to achieve their aims of increasing pensions and making the authorities more aware of their needs.

All this could change in Brighton and Hove if the first elected older people's council proves effective.

Elected last year at a conference in the Brighton Centre, it is taking time to make its mark.

But now there are signs that members will punch their weight and that the city council will listen to some of their pleas.

All but one member of the council now has responsibility for a different area of council activities, such as health and lifelong learning.

They are starting to make effective suggestions, such as ensuring there is good access to the proposed new urban village next to Brighton station.

The older people's council has no real teeth so part of its success will depend on how responsive the city is to its needs.

Much will depend on what happens at next year's elections, when older people will be able to vote for whom they think will represent them most effectively.

With full democratic accountability behind it, the council could become a real voice for pensioners in the city.