News

Energy cap rise adds pressure for older people in Wales

Published

7 months ago

August 27, 2025

Age Cymru warns vulnerable residents face winter hardship as bills climb

OLDER people across Wales face more financial strain this winter after Ofgem confirmed on Wednesday (Aug 27) that the energy price cap will rise again in the autumn.

The cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge households for gas and electricity, will increase by 2% from October, pushing the average annual bill for a typical household to around £1,755. Standing charges for gas and electricity will also rise, hitting low-usage households the hardest.

Campaigners say the move will deepen fuel poverty in Wales, where a higher proportion of people live on fixed or low incomes.

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive at Age Cymru, said: “Older people should be able to look forward to their later years with comfort and peace of mind, not with anxiety about having to choose between heating or eating, feeling cold or going into debt. Today’s news that energy prices will rise again, which has come just as temperatures drop, will leave many older people worried about the coming winter.”

She added: “We must address the deepening fuel poverty. Our aim should not be about getting through one winter at a time as happens now, instead we must build a future in which no older person is left cold or struggling to afford the essentials. To achieve this requires fairer energy prices, properly insulated homes and a financial support system that tackles the scourge of fuel poverty for the long term.”

Although prices remain lower than the 2023 peak, the increase comes against the backdrop of a continuing cost-of-living crisis. Consumer groups have urged older people and those on low incomes to check whether they qualify for support such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, or local hardship funds.

Age Cymru is calling on energy companies to provide tailored help for older customers, including fixed-rate tariffs, debt relief and better insulation schemes.

Anyone seeking advice or information can call Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98, Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, or email [email protected].

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

3 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

10 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.