Voice Of The Argus is correct in stating the unique position of the Brighton and Hove Older People's Council (OPC) in Britain (May 30).

I disagree strongly, however, with the assertion that issues such as access to the new Sainsbury's store at Brighton station and the cost of adult education classes could equally well be raised by other organisations such as Age Concern and federations for the retired.

The fact is, these organisations are not dealing with these issues, at least not with authority or the same level of access to the people making these decisions that the Old People's Council (an elected body) possesses.

Following our recent representations, we received a letter from the director of operations at the Learning and Skills Council stating that he and his officers would be keen to work with the OPC to enable older people to feel they have equality of access to high quality and relevant learning opportunities.

Brighton and Hove City Council agreed the OPC must have the ability to influence decisions before they are made and this requires that the OPC has the right to receive information, ask questions and make suggestions.

Thus we regularly have officers of the city council coming to our meetings to explain new proposals which would affect older people and take account of our comments, including identifying gaps in service provision.

The OPC was set up to ensure older people are not excluded from having the same rights and duties as any other citizen because of ageism, poor health or social care or non-recognition of the contribution made by older people to local communities and society in general.

Therefore, the OPC seeks to be involved in influencing strategy and decision makers in Brighton and Hove as the authentic voice of older people, not by paid professionals speaking on their behalf.

-Joan Moorhouse, Brighton and Hove Older People's Council, The Brow, Woodingdean, Brighton