News

Energy cap rise adds pressure for older people in Wales

Published

8 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].

News

Baby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency

Published

23 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenagers arrested as police investigate circumstances

A BABY remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being taken from Fishguard by air ambulance following a medical emergency at a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received information that the baby had been taken to hospital in the early evening of Saturday (May 2).

Police were formally informed of the incident at around 10:10pm the same evening.

An investigation into the circumstances is underway.

A man and a woman, both aged eighteen, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They have since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

No further details have been released at this stage.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.