I was beginning to wonder what had become of the Better Government for Older People, rather inelegantly known by the acronym BGOP.

At the launch and conference last year it was announced a chairman had been elected and things were beginning to move.

The newly-elected chairman, Doreen Radford, was well known as a councillor on the old Brighton Borough Council as much for her eye-catching hats as for her contributions to debate. She was seldom seen without an elegant creation at a time when it was considered de rigueur for lady members of council to wear a hat on all formal occasions.

These days things are less formal, not to mention less elegant, but maybe she will start the trend again during her chairmanship (or, if you insist, her personship). It seems some serious work has been going on behind the scenes on setting up a formal constitution and moving things towards its emergence as a legitimate arm of the city council.

I must confess to a slight feeling of unease that, worthy as the aims of the organisation undoubtedly are, it may turn out to be another consultative group with far fewer teeth than might have been hoped for. The code of conduct has ten main clauses, covering everything from selfishness to openness, respect for others and a duty to uphold the law. Striving for perfection is obviously high on their wish list!

All the usual clauses are there, including the requirement to disclose interests when discussing items on the agenda. I wonder how many of the city councillors disclosed interest in Brighton and Hove Albion when voting on matter relating to Falmer?

The constitution talks about the need to inform the city council about "matters which impact on the quality of life and the opportunities available for older people". No one could argue with that but my fear is when resources are under pressure, BGOP may find they are rather further down the pecking order than they would like.

Brighton and Hove is the first local authority in the country to have an elected older people's council and I imagine a number of other areas will be watching with interest to see whether it really can deliver added value to the lives and aspirations of a large section of the population.

It is seeking to work alongside organisations and groups which already exist to help the older members of society but in a more formalised way. There will be a Coalition of Older People, open to both individuals and organisations, and it is proposed there should be neighbourhood units linked to the central organisation. All the usual issues will be on the agenda, such as opportunities for employment, lifetime education opportunities and local needs audits.

There will also be new initiatives which will aim to build on existing networks, such as the Silver Sounds, a drumming and percussion group, and the Amazing Graces, an interactive theatre group. They are also seeking to involve those older people with a gift for sharing their knowledge and who may be able to help others to become trainers in specific skills.

There is no doubt the opportunities are going to be there if older folk are interested in them.

If BGOP does not deliver, it seems there is going to be a network in place to enable the Third Age to exert some pressure to get their interests served.

The signs are good and the ideas are there. All that is needed now is a real desire on the part of the city council to respond positively to a determined group of older people with fire in their bellies.

This column will be watching with great interest.