Community

Age Cymru condemns cuts to winter fuel payments in Wales

Published

1 year ago

October 9, 2024

AGE CYMRU has expressed deep concern over the Westminster Government’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments, which will leave more than 100,000 pensioners in Wales without this crucial financial support. The charity has described the move as “appalling,” particularly given that over 86% of pensioners living in or just above poverty in Wales will be affected—the highest proportion of any UK nation or region.

Many of the affected pensioners are already facing significant challenges, including living with disabilities, being isolated, or residing in older, less energy-efficient homes that are harder to heat. Age Cymru is calling on the government to reverse its decision, particularly in Wales, where more than 56,000 eligible people are not claiming Pension Credit—a key factor in determining Winter Fuel Payment eligibility under the new rules.

The charity has been receiving distressing reports from older people across Wales, describing the tough choices they will have to make without this essential financial lifeline. Some have already indicated they will need to reduce their spending on food, heating, and hot water. Of particular concern are those with long-term health conditions who need to maintain a warm home, but are now facing the prospect of having to choose between staying warm and eating properly.

In Age Cymru’s 2024 annual survey, which gathered responses from over 1,300 older people across the country, nearly half reported that the cost of living had been a significant challenge in the past year. More than half cited concerns over their physical health, which is likely to deteriorate further as a result of the cuts.

Age Cymru is urging the Westminster Government to reconsider its decision, or at the very least, to expand eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payments. The charity is advocating for automatic payments to those receiving Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance, to ensure that vulnerable pensioners are not left without the help they need during the cold winter months.

Voices from Wales: Struggling to cope

When asked how they would manage with up to £300 less this winter, older people across Wales shared their concerns:

“It will be a huge struggle to make do on my pension. I lost my husband two years ago, and with a single pension coming in, it is a constant worry how I will pay my bills.”
“We will have to turn the heating off more and find ways to cut back on cooking, heating, and hot water. Because of health reasons, this will be really difficult.”
“This payment makes a real difference to my winter energy costs, allowing me to avoid reducing the temperature in my flat. I have medical problems that mean I spend most of my time inside.”
“We live in a rural community off mains gas. Our heating is oil-fired, and the Winter Fuel Payment covered a sixth of a tank of oil. My wife has chronic kidney disease and feels the cold terribly, so the payment certainly made things easier for us.”
“I am chronically ill and need a warm home. Without this help, I will not be able to stay warm enough to have a decent quality of life. I will have to reduce my food intake.”

Call for Government action

Age Cymru is urging the UK Government to reconsider its cuts, warning that many pensioners, especially those living in Wales, face an increasingly harsh winter without the vital support they once relied on. For the most vulnerable, these cuts may not just represent financial hardship but could have serious consequences for their health and wellbeing.

The charity continues to advocate for a fairer system that ensures older people across Wales, and the rest of the UK, are not forced to choose between warmth and other basic needs.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

11 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”