Community

Age Cymru’s response on means testing the winter fuel payment

Published

6 months ago

July 29, 2024

WITH the Chancellor’s announcement of means testing the Winter fuel payment, Age Cymru says it is extremely concerned about the impact that this will have on older people across Wales. For many, the Winter fuel payment is a lifeline to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months.

With the Energy Price Cap expected to rise to around 10% this October and stay high during the Winter, this will leave most energy bills at nearly double the cost of those pre-crisis, at levels which are unaffordable for many older people across Wales.

For people who are just about managing who are not eligible for Pension Credit, this is increasingly concerning. We know that the majority of older people are on a fixed income so struggle to meet any unexpected costs, with many on the cusp of falling into severe financial difficulties.

Chief Executive, Victoria Lloyd said: “We know that thousands of households in Wales are failing to claim the £200million that they are entitled to in Pension Credit, so much more needs to be done to support these people to access what they are eligible for.

Means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment in this way, gives pensioners little time to prepare and is a decision that will potentially jeopardise their health as well as their finances.

A decent income provides dignity and security, and helps people stay independent and active. A warm home, nutritious food, occasional treats and being able to get out and about are all good for health and wellbeing, helping older people to make the most of later life. This should not just be an aspiration but the experience of all older people across Wales.”

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “The announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will now only be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit is deeply concerning, as it means that thousands of older people in Wales will now miss out on crucial financial support.

“It is estimated that around 80,000 households in Wales miss out on Pension Credit despite being eligible, meaning older people are already missing out on over £200 million they are entitled to.

“The Chancellor’s decision would mean that these households could now also miss out on tens of millions of pounds more that could make a big difference in terms of people’s finances.

“I am also concerned about the older people in Wales who may be surviving on low incomes and struggling financially, but find themselves just above the Pension Credit threshold. These individuals already miss out on the crucial wider support unlocked by Pension Credit – such as council tax discounts – and will miss out on even more as a result of this decision.

“I would urge the Chancellor to reconsider this decision ahead of her budget to avoid driving more older people in Wales into poverty, and putting people’s health and well-being at risk, which could bring greater costs in the longer-term.”

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

5 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

6 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.