The CSPA AGM 2025 took place on 7th May in the Presbyterian Assembly Building Belfast. There was a reasonable turnout of Members. As well as the usual reports from the Branch President , Branch Chair , Branch Secretary , Branch Treasurer & Branch Membership Secretary there were also two excellent addresses from the two Keynote Speakers. CSPA National Chair , Les Priestly and the newly appointed Commissioner for Older People, Siobhan Casey.
In his address Les said he could understand why some Members had lost hope of things improving. We were living in difficult times. But he still had hope that things would get better. He said Devolution was an asset to the Branch as they could actively lobby decision makers. He highlighted that one of CSPA’s most important Campaigns was to get Government to lift the Income Tax Thresholds which had been in place for years.
In her address Siobhan Casey set out her priorities for the role of Older Person’s Commissioner. This included Health , Environment , Social Care , Public Transport , Housing and Public Toilets accessible for Older People. She explained how she wanted to work with the diverse range of Organisations speaking for Older People. She highlighted that she was looking forward to working with CSPA NI whose AGM was one of her first engagements since being appointed.
