News

Starmer U-turns on winter fuel payment cuts as Age Cymru demands urgent clarity

Published

10 months ago

May 21, 2025

Welsh charity warns government must avoid repeat of last winter’s crisis, as older people face cold homes and health risks

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a reversal of last year’s controversial cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirming during Prime Minister’s Questions that more pensioners will now be eligible for support this coming winter.

The U-turn follows widespread criticism of the means-testing approach introduced last year, which excluded millions of older people from receiving the payment. In Wales, the move was heavily criticised by charities, including Age Cymru, which now says the government must act quickly to restore support before winter returns.

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive of Age Cymru, welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks but cautioned that “the detail is needed” to ensure no one is left behind.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and commitment to change,” she said. “But we must be confident that any policy change is going to support those older people that we know are struggling without this vital payment.”

Last winter, Age Cymru saw a surge in distress among older people across Wales, with many too frightened to turn on their heating due to soaring bills and reduced support. The charity says the situation left vulnerable individuals in misery and placed their health at serious risk.

Ms Lloyd said: “Means-testing Winter Fuel Payments in the way the UK Government announced last summer resulted in many pensioners on low incomes missing out on money they simply couldn’t afford to lose.”

“We said last autumn that we were especially worried about the welfare of older people entitled to Pension Credit but not claiming it; those whose incomes were meagre but just above the threshold; and others who are seriously unwell and whose heating bills are exceptionally high because they cannot allow themselves to get cold.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come just six months ahead of the next winter season. Ms Lloyd warned that time is running out to develop a fair and effective replacement.

“We will judge the success of any new policy proposals by the extent to which they help vulnerable older people and those on low and modest incomes to heat their homes adequately next winter,” she said.

Age Cymru is also calling for the introduction of a social energy tariff as a longer-term measure to protect those most at risk, but says immediate relief is now essential.

Sir Keir Starmer, speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (May 21), confirmed the U-turn, stating that he wants “more pensioners to be eligible for the benefit” after last year’s cuts were met with backlash from older people’s groups and anti-poverty campaigners.

With public confidence shaken, Age Cymru said restoring trust and ensuring that no older person is left in the cold must now be the government’s top priority.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.