Community

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

Published

5 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

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.