Community

Commissioner calls for urgent action as 1 in 6 older people now living in poverty

Published

2 months ago

November 24, 2025

A NEW report published today by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales lays bare the scale and growing impact of poverty among older people — and warns that thousands face a dangerous winter without immediate support from both the Welsh and UK Governments.

The report, Older People and Poverty in Wales, uses older people’s own testimonies alongside the latest national data to show how widespread and entrenched hardship has become. It reveals that one in six older people in Wales now lives in poverty, with some groups hit far harder than others.

Among the starkest findings is that one in four women living alone is experiencing poverty, while nearly half of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic households are estimated to be affected. The cost-of-living crisis has pushed many more older people on fixed incomes to breaking point.

‘Heating or eating’ becoming normalised

The report highlights the “impossible choices” older people are being forced to make.
One in five has gone without heating, while a quarter have skipped meals or eaten less. These decisions are taking a serious toll on people’s health.

Cold homes increase the risk of hypothermia and worsen a wide range of conditions, while poor nutrition can exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Winter makes these dangers even more severe, with inadequate heating and diet contributing to higher mortality and avoidable pressure on the NHS.

In Wales alone, cold homes cost the NHS more than £40 million a year.

Commissioner calls for urgent reforms

The Commissioner, Rhian Bowen-Davies, is calling for coordinated action from Cardiff Bay and Westminster, including:

Ending the Pension Credit cliff edge, which leaves many older people just above the threshold losing out on support worth thousands.
Creating a Resilience Fund for older people in severe financial hardship who do not qualify for existing schemes.
Greater investment in energy-efficiency improvements, particularly important in Wales, which has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe.
Funding for councils to proactively identify older people missing out on entitlements and help them claim.
Streamlined, stigma-free applications for financial support.
A long-term national debate about the income required for a dignified retirement, forming the basis for a sustainable pension system.

The report also urges local authorities, utility companies and internet service providers to expand social tariffs and adopt wider community-based support.

‘A stark reminder’

Rhian Bowen-Davies said the findings should act as a wake-up call as the Chancellor prepares to deliver the UK Budget.

“With finances and living costs in the spotlight again this week, my report is a stark reminder of the realities faced by people living in poverty — an issue now affecting one in six older people,” she said.

“As the weather turns colder, many across Wales will be wondering how they’ll pay the bills. Too many may soon face a choice between heating or eating, putting their health at serious risk. Sadly, this has become normalised.”

She warned that discussions about cuts and efficiencies frequently overlook the cost of poverty itself.

“Cold homes cost the NHS in Wales over £40 million a year. People living in poverty are more reliant on health and social care services. Tackling poverty would save tens of millions and strengthen our public services.”

She said decisive action was needed both immediately and in the long term.

“In the short term, we need better access to support, simpler systems, the end of the Pension Credit cliff edge, improved energy efficiency, and emergency help for those in hardship.

“In the longer term, we need a national conversation about what constitutes a sufficient income to live and age well, which should underpin a sustainable pension system for the future.”

“As Commissioner, I will continue to press for coordinated action to tackle poverty and create a fairer, healthier and more inclusive Wales.”

Community

Haverfordwest students win national King’s Trust honour

Published

27 seconds ago

January 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community mural project earns Wales title and trip to London finals

A GROUP of young people from Haverfordwest High School are celebrating a major achievement after being crowned Wales country final winners at the King’s Trust Awards 2026.

The students secured the JD Foundation Community Impact Award and will now represent Wales at the King’s Trust National Awards in London.

The award recognises an outstanding community project delivered through the King’s Trust Achieve Programme, a Key Stage four GCSE option offered at the school and delivered locally by Pembrokeshire Youth Service.

Led by school-based youth worker Ell Lewis, the programme supports pupils who may find traditional academic routes challenging, including those facing emotional, social or caring responsibilities.

As part of their Community Impact project, the group identified a vandalised pedestrian tunnel in Haverfordwest that is used daily by students travelling to and from school. Determined to improve the space, they worked together to design and paint a large-scale mural celebrating wellbeing, identity and local pride.

The once run-down underpass has now been transformed into a colourful and welcoming feature, drawing praise from residents and passers-by.

Community members described the artwork as uplifting and inspiring, with many noting the positive difference it has made to young people using the route each day.

One participant said: “This project is our legacy. We’ve created something lasting that represents who we are and where we come from. It’s amazing what a cup of tea and a conversation can lead to.”

Mr Lewis said the benefits extended far beyond the finished mural.

He said: “Beyond its physical impact, the project has helped the young people build confidence, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Their courage, resilience and ambition can’t be faulted. I am incredibly proud of them. All members of the group have since progressed into further education or employment.”

The students secured funding through the Pembrokeshire Youth Bank Grant and received support from local businesses including GD Harris & Sons. They also worked with local councillors, the local authority and local artist Lloyd Griffiths.

Additional funds were raised through school-led activities including bake sales and raffles.

The group will now travel to London to compete in the national finals, representing both their school and Pembrokeshire on a national stage.

Cover photo:

Proud moment: Members of the Haverfordwest High School group at the Wales King’s Trust Awards ceremony (Pic: Supplied).

Business

Croeso awards return to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s tourism stars

Published

11 minutes ago

January 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colin Jackson to host major industry night as entries open for 2026 event

THE CELEBRATION of Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality sector is officially underway as the Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards return for 2026 after a two-year break.

The prestigious awards, designed to recognise businesses that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional visitor experiences, are back with what organisers describe as “fresh energy and renewed ambition”.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Welsh sporting legend Colin Jackson CBE, the Olympic silver medallist and former world champion hurdler, who will act as compère for the evening.

The awards will take place on Thursday (Oct 29), bringing together leading hotels, attractions, restaurants and tourism operators from across the county for a night of celebration and recognition.

Seventeen categories are open for entry, including Best Hotel, Best Place to Eat, Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award and Rising Star, highlighting both established operators and emerging talent within the industry.

Organisers say the event is not only about rewarding excellence, but also about developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

At the heart of this year’s ceremony is a partnership between Pembrokeshire College and the Celtic Collection. Students will gain hands-on experience in staging a live, large-scale event, working alongside front-of-house teams and industry specialists to plan and deliver the evening.

The collaboration aims to give young people practical skills while supporting the long-term future of the county’s tourism sector.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: “We are very excited to be launching our 2026 Croeso Awards building on our 2024 event through working in partnership with Pembrokeshire College and the Celtic Collection.

“We’ve taken the deliberate step to launch three months earlier than in previous years. By doing so we hope this will encourage more entries, making it much easier for businesses and organisations to submit entries well ahead of the busy spring and summer season.

“If you haven’t entered the Croeso Awards before, please make this the year that you do.”

Applications are now open via the Croeso Awards pages on the Visit Pembrokeshire website and close on Monday (March 31). The shortlist will be announced on July 1.

Support sessions to help businesses complete applications will be held every Wednesday throughout February at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock.

Tickets and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Photo caption:

Colin Jackson CBE will host the 2026 Croeso Awards when they return this October (Pic supplied).

Community

Saundersfoot Froghall Yard traveller site refused again

Published

11 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which was previously refused by the national park has again been turned down, but there may be a further application.

Last May, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee refused a scheme for the creation of a traveller site of one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.

The authority has served an enforcement notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition.

Nearly 300 people had signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the application by David ‘Dai’ Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, was also shared by Saundersfoot’s community council.

A supporting statement accompanying the application stated the applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family, currently at an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool.

It said Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the Saundersfoot site during the summer months since the late 1980s; Mr Evans purchased the site in 2023, clearing and refurbishing it.

The application was refused on the grounds it was considered to result in unacceptable landscape impacts, a lack of information on whether the proposal will unacceptably disturb species and habitats, and it would introduce caravan development in an area of the National Park without landscape capacity.

A resubmitted application, aimed at addressing previous concerns, was recommended for refusal on similar grounds to previously at the January 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Saundersfoot Community Council unanimously objected to the latest plans and 48 objections covering a wide range of concerns were received.

At the start of the January meeting, local member Cllr Chris Williams, said he had received a phone call saying the applicant was not actually a member of the gypsy traveller community; members later hearing legal advice the authority was not in a position to determine that.

Helen Williams, objecting on behalf of neighbours, said the current submission “differed little from the original application,” saying there had been “a significant removal of scrub and woodland” from the site and “a devastating impact,” with a loss of previously sighted wildlife.

A further speaker, Lynne Garnett of the Travelling Ahead Community Planning Project , which provides planning advice and support to Gypsy and Traveller families, said a lack of local authority site left members of the community “no alternative other than to buy their own land to develop such sites”.

She said prejudice faced was “enormous,” adding there was “hate campaign” in objections to this scheme that was “vitriolic, disrespectful and deeply concerning”.

Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries disputed previously raised concerns about the amount of land cleared without permission, saying much of that had been done prior to his client purchasing the land, his work clearing up “a mess”.

He said that, in the event of a fresh planning application, the third time it would come before committee, substantial tree planting would be included.

While initial proposals for a site visit were again mooted, a recommendation of following the officer recommendation of refusal was proposed by Cllr Di Clements, with one voice of opposition, Cllr Maureen Bowen, who proposed approval.

The recommendation of refusal was backed by 13 members, with one against and two abstentions.