Welsh charity warns government must avoid repeat of last winter’s crisis, as older people face cold homes and health risks

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a reversal of last year’s controversial cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirming during Prime Minister’s Questions that more pensioners will now be eligible for support this coming winter.

The U-turn follows widespread criticism of the means-testing approach introduced last year, which excluded millions of older people from receiving the payment. In Wales, the move was heavily criticised by charities, including Age Cymru, which now says the government must act quickly to restore support before winter returns.

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive of Age Cymru, welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks but cautioned that “the detail is needed” to ensure no one is left behind.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and commitment to change,” she said. “But we must be confident that any policy change is going to support those older people that we know are struggling without this vital payment.”

Last winter, Age Cymru saw a surge in distress among older people across Wales, with many too frightened to turn on their heating due to soaring bills and reduced support. The charity says the situation left vulnerable individuals in misery and placed their health at serious risk.

Ms Lloyd said: “Means-testing Winter Fuel Payments in the way the UK Government announced last summer resulted in many pensioners on low incomes missing out on money they simply couldn’t afford to lose.”

“We said last autumn that we were especially worried about the welfare of older people entitled to Pension Credit but not claiming it; those whose incomes were meagre but just above the threshold; and others who are seriously unwell and whose heating bills are exceptionally high because they cannot allow themselves to get cold.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come just six months ahead of the next winter season. Ms Lloyd warned that time is running out to develop a fair and effective replacement.

“We will judge the success of any new policy proposals by the extent to which they help vulnerable older people and those on low and modest incomes to heat their homes adequately next winter,” she said.

Age Cymru is also calling for the introduction of a social energy tariff as a longer-term measure to protect those most at risk, but says immediate relief is now essential.

Sir Keir Starmer, speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (May 21), confirmed the U-turn, stating that he wants “more pensioners to be eligible for the benefit” after last year’s cuts were met with backlash from older people’s groups and anti-poverty campaigners.

With public confidence shaken, Age Cymru said restoring trust and ensuring that no older person is left in the cold must now be the government’s top priority.

Volunteers build teacher housing, sports facilities and sanitation improvements in remote village

THREE men from the Cardigan area have returned home after completing a life-changing volunteer mission in Cambodia, where they spent two weeks helping to upgrade a rural jungle primary school.

Mark Worrall, his son Kai Worrall, and step-son Sam Young – all from Glynarthen – were part of a nine-strong team that worked on the project at Preah Trapang Primary School in Chrey Village, near Siem Reap.

The initiative was entirely self-funded, with the team raising more than $5,500 through local fundraising events and donations. Every penny went towards building materials, equipment, and resources to improve the school and wider community.

During their time in Cambodia, the volunteers constructed secure housing for four teachers, allowing them to live on-site instead of travelling long distances each day – a common hardship for educators in rural Cambodia. The improved access to education is expected to have a lasting impact on pupils’ learning outcomes.

The team also installed solar-powered lighting outside the school, erected basketball hoops and a volleyball net, and donated footballs, tennis gear, and other sports equipment. Inside, they fitted ceiling fans to make the classrooms more bearable in the tropical heat, and provided over 100 children with essentials including books, pens, rulers, flip-flops, and caps.

Beyond the school itself, the volunteers improved the village’s water storage system, built new toilets and showers, and added cooking facilities – all vital infrastructure in a remote area where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

Working in temperatures exceeding 36°C, the group mixed concrete, laid floors, and hauled building supplies daily. The completed teacher accommodation was blessed by local monks in a traditional ceremony to mark its importance to the community.

Speaking after his return, Mark Worrall said: “It was an unforgettable experience for all of us. Working alongside the local people, learning about their construction methods and sharing their culture was incredibly special.

“We’ve made a real difference to this village, and the improvements will continue to benefit the children and families for years to come. One of the most rewarding parts was the friendships we’ve made – we’re already hoping to return next year to take on another project.”

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate Gareth Edwards, aged 35, from Aberystwyth.

He is wanted on suspicion of sexual assault and a drug offence.

Edwards is believed to have links to the Swansea area and may be in that region.

Anyone who has seen Gareth Edwards or has information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact police via one of the following methods:

🖥️ | Online form
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 25000405741.