Community

Older people in Wales struggling with energy costs despite Government support

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2026

Charity warns £53m package ‘won’t go far enough’ as pensioners face rising bills

OLDER people across Wales are struggling to pay their energy bills despite new Government support, with a significant number already facing financial hardship before recent global tensions threatened further price rises.

New figures highlighted by Age Cymru show that 31% of pensioners reported struggling financially even before conflict escalated in the Middle East, with energy costs cited as the main pressure.

The UK Government this week announced a £53m support package for households reliant on heating oil. While welcoming the move, Age Cymru warned it would not be sufficient to protect vulnerable older people, many of whom are on low or fixed incomes and already finding it difficult to make ends meet.

The charity’s national polling, carried out in January, paints a stark picture of ongoing hardship. Nearly half (45%) of respondents said they were cutting back on heating or electricity use, while 36% said they were worried about falling into energy debt this winter.

Age Cymru said the situation is particularly concerning given the potential impact of geopolitical instability on energy prices later this year. The charity reports it is already hearing from older people anxious about how they will cope next winter.

Around one in ten households in Wales rely on heating oil, leaving them especially exposed to sudden price increases. Unlike those on mains gas, these households are not protected by the energy price cap.

The charity is calling on energy companies and the UK Government to ensure support is targeted at those most at risk. It also warned that rising consumer energy debt—currently at a record £4.5bn and forecast to reach £7bn by the end of the year—shows many households are still living with the impact of previous crises.

Concerns have also been raised for groups not covered by current support measures, including some park home residents and care home residents, who face similar exposure to rising costs.

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive of Age Cymru, said: “Even before recent events, many pensioners were already finding life financially challenging. Now, with the prospect of further energy price increases, anxiety is growing among older people about whether they will be able to afford to heat their homes.

“While the Government’s support is welcome, it will not be enough to meet the scale of need. Those relying on heating oil are particularly vulnerable, facing immediate and significant price hikes.

“It is deeply worrying for older people living on fixed incomes to be confronted with fuel costs that have doubled or even tripled overnight. This is not just a financial issue—it is a threat to health and wellbeing.

“We urgently need both immediate support and long-term solutions. No older person should be left in the cold. That means fairer energy pricing, better-insulated homes, and a system that tackles fuel poverty at its root.”

Age Cymru is urging anyone struggling with rising living costs to seek advice. Support is available through its Advice Line on 0300 303 44 98 or via its website. The service operates Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Community

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter Rally continues in the seaside town.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts have travelled to Pembrokeshire for the four-day event, which runs from Friday (May 1) to Monday (May 4), bringing a splash of colour, chrome and Mod culture to the resort.

The rally, organised by Scooter Collective South Wales, is taking place across several venues, including De Valence Pavilion, Tenby United Rugby Club and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Entertainment includes live music, Northern Soul nights, club events and the traditional rally atmosphere which has made Tenby a popular stop on the national scooter calendar.

A ride-out was also planned from Tenby RFC’s ground at Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon, with scooters heading through the surrounding area. A Custom Show and Traders Fair were also due to be held at the rugby club.

Classic Vespas, Lambrettas and custom scooters have been seen around the town throughout the weekend, with visitors adding to the atmosphere in local streets, pubs, cafés and hotels.

This year’s event also marks 25 years since the first national scooter rally was held in Tenby in 2001 at Kiln Park, when soul legend Edwin Starr headlined.

Before that, smaller local rallies had taken place in 1999 and 2000, while Tenby had already become a regular weekend destination for South Wales scooterists during the 1990s.

The 2026 event is understood to be the 12th time a national rally has been held in Tenby, underlining the town’s long-standing connection with the scooter scene.

The rally continues until Monday, with organisers and visitors hoping the Bank Holiday atmosphere will provide another boost for the town.

Photo caption:

Scooter spectacle: Riders and enthusiasts gather in Tenby for the Welsh National Scooter Rally 2026 (Pic: Malcolm Richards)

Community

New officer appointed as Pembrokeshire Pride expands year-round work

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE Pride has appointed Jamie Rees as its new Community Liaison Officer as the organisation looks to strengthen its year-round presence across the county.

The role, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, will focus on building closer links with LGBTQ+ people in Pembrokeshire, as well as wider community groups, local organisations and partner agencies.

Jamie, who is originally from Pembrokeshire, brings experience in marketing, communications and community engagement within the arts and cultural sector.

He will help expand Pride’s regular programme beyond its annual event, creating more opportunities for people to meet, feel supported and take part throughout the year.

Monthly events

Current events include Pride Brunch on the first Saturday of the month, Pride Book Club on the second Thursday, Pride Quiz on the last Wednesday, and Pride Friday Dinner Club on the last Friday of the month.

Pembrokeshire Pride said the appointment marks an important step in its ambition to become a more visible and active organisation across the county all year round.

Chair of Pembrokeshire Pride, Donna Humphrey said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jamie to the team as our new Community Liaison Officer.

“This role is a vital part of our vision to grow Pembrokeshire Pride into a visible, active and supportive presence throughout the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this role possible. Their support allows us to invest in our community, strengthen connections, and ensure that Pembrokeshire Pride continues to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Main Pride weekend

Jamie Rees said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this role at such an important moment for Pembrokeshire Pride. This is about building something that lives and breathes all year round, not just at one event.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting people from across the county – both within the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community – and creating more opportunities for connection, visibility and understanding.

“Pembrokeshire has always been home for me, and I care deeply about helping to build a county that feels welcoming, inclusive and full of pride for everyone who lives here.”

Plans are already underway for this year’s main Pembrokeshire Pride event, which will take place at Dewslake Farm on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.

The team is keen to hear from stallholders, food vendors and entertainers interested in taking part in the weekend.

Tickets are due to go on sale later this month.

Anyone wishing to find out more, attend an event, or contact Jamie directly can follow Pembrokeshire Pride on social media or email [email protected].

Community

Reduced hours at Hakin Post Office spark concern

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Councillor says the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community

RESIDENTS in Hakin and Hubberston have been left shocked after opening hours at Hakin Post Office were suddenly cut without warning.

The branch, based inside CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road, is now only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm.

It means the Post Office is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with only limited Saturday morning access.

Local councillor Vivien Stoddart has raised concerns that the sudden reduction represents a serious loss of a vital community service, particularly for elderly residents, people without access to transport, and those who rely on the branch for banking, parcels, pensions and other essential services.

Cllr Stoddart said the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community.

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted the Post Office after being provided with evidence that opening hours at the CK’s-operated branch had been significantly reduced.

The Herald asked whether the Post Office was aware of reductions at CK’s-operated branches, whether the changes had been approved, what minimum opening hours were required, and what safeguards were in place to ensure communities retained reasonable access to Post Office services.

In its initial response, the Post Office referred to Milford Haven Post Office, but later issued a clarification confirming that the Milford Haven branch is fully open and not affected.

The reduced hours apply to Hakin Post Office, at CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by the short notice change and for the lack of communication informing them of this update for Hakin Post Office.

“We are currently working with the operator to review the opening hours for its branches. Alternative branches for Hakin is Milford Haven and The Mount.”

The statement confirms that the Post Office accepts there was a lack of communication with customers about the change.

For residents in Hakin and Hubberston, the practical impact is significant. The branch now operates for only three full weekdays and one Saturday morning each week.

The Herald understands there is concern locally that the reduced hours could hit vulnerable residents hardest, particularly those who depend on nearby services and cannot easily travel to alternative branches.

The Post Office has not yet provided detailed answers on minimum contractual opening hours, whether the changes were formally approved, or whether similar reductions have been made at other CK’s branches.