News

Cost of living crisis hitting older people hard, warns Commissioner

Published

12 months ago

April 4, 2025

NEW data from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has revealed growing concern among older people across the country about the rising cost of living, with many being forced to cut back on essentials such as heating and food.

The findings come as household bills are set to rise again this week, sparking fears that older people will be pushed into further hardship, with serious risks to their health and well-being.

Polling carried out on behalf of the Commissioner shows that 90% of older people in Wales are now concerned about energy prices — a rise of nearly 20% compared to last year. Concerns over food prices have also grown, with 82% saying they are worried — up 14% on last year’s figures.

The survey also revealed that 70% of older people have reduced spending on heating their homes, and 60% have cut back on food.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said the figures paint a bleak picture.

“These findings highlight that there are significant concerns about the cost of living amongst older people across Wales, and that many feel they have no option but to cut back on essentials such as energy or food in order to pay their bills,” she said.

“It’s important to remember what this means in reality – that older people are unable to afford to heat their homes properly or may find themselves going hungry, which both put people’s health at risk.”

She added: “With prices for many things set to rise again this week, these concerns are likely to increase, and people may be forced to cut back even further, creating greater financial pressures, as well as stress and anxiety, which also impacts upon well-being.”

The Commissioner also warned that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has worsened the situation, removing a vital source of support for many older people.

“These issues make it more likely that older people will find themselves in vulnerable situations and in need of care and support, which not only have a significant impact on individuals, but also add avoidable costs and pressures to already stretched public services.

“It is vital that the governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay recognise this and take action to provide support to protect older people from harm.”

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.