Karacsony calls for Senior Citizens Council to be established in Budapest

Budapest's leadership intends to establish a Senior Citizens Council to provide a regular forum for various organisations helping to implement programmes that support the elderly, Mayor Gergely Karacsony said in a speech on Tuesday. He said the aim was also to ensure that elderly people in need could each receive a heating subsidy of 20,000 forints (EUR 60) during the cold winter months. The mayor also said that outpatient care operated by the capital's districts should have access to the national budget resources, as this was the only way to ensure Budapest residents live longer. Karacsony also announced that the municipality will start building retirement homes in Budapest as well as expanding existing ones.