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.”

A WOMAN rescued by Beaumaris RNLI last year has reunited with the volunteer crew who saved her, as she supports the charity’s Mayday campaign showing lifeboats in Wales launched over 1,043 times, saving 53 lives last year.

Across the UK and Ireland the charity’s lifeboats were launched over 9,100 times in 2024, making it the fourth-busiest year in the charity’s 201-year history. Welsh RNLI lifeboat stations’ total number of launches decreased from 2023, however the number of lives saved rose from 38 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.

Angle, The Mumbles and Tenby RNLI had the most launches. Out of the total 1,043 launches in Wales, 719 were by Inshore Rescue Boats and the further 324 were All-Weather Lifeboat launches. Over 96% of all lifeboat launches in Wales in 2024 were within 5 nautical miles of the Welsh coast, and the majority of these shouts were to people in difficulty in the water and to assist motorboats. RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews spent over 1,500 hours at sea, giving up their time to help those in need.

Flint RNLI saved 5 lives last year with neighbouring station Rhyl RNLI launching 47 times and aiding 47 people. Llandudno and Conwy lifeboats launched a total of 66 times, saving 4 lives. On the Isle of Anglesey, Trearddur Bay, Moelfre, Holyhead and Beaumaris saved 8 lives, launching 213 times and aiding 127 people.

In Gwynedd RNLI lifeboats from Porthdinllaen, Abersoch, Pwllheli, Criccieth, Barmouth and Aberdovey launched 121 times, aiding 126 people and saving 2 lives. In Ceredigion, Borth, Aberystwyth, New Quay and Cardigan launched 99 times and aided 56 people.

In Pembrokeshire, Fishguard, St Davids, Little & Broad Haven, Angle and Tenby lifeboats saved 13 lives, launched 233 times and aided 152 people. At Burry Port Lifeboat Station, the boats launched 39 times, aiding 26 people. In Swansea, Horton & Port Eynon and The Mumbles launched a combined 104 times, aiding 119 people with The Mumbles RNLI saving a life.

Port Talbot RNLI launched 25 times and aided 17 people. In Porthcawl the volunteer crew saved an incredible 16 lives, launched 71 times and aided 91 people. In the Vale of Glamorgan, Barry Dock and Penarth Lifeboat Stations launched 80 times, aided 77 people and saved 3 lives. 

Beaumaris RNLI launched 45 times last year, aiding 27 people and saving 3 lives. Emily Morus-Jones, was one of those rescued by the Beaumaris RNLI volunteers in September last year, she says:

‘The Beaumaris RNLI crew members took really good care of me when I broke my knee whilst cooling down from a run with my dogs on the beach.

It was early afternoon on Monday 2 September when Emily was on the beach in the Manai Strait area of Bangor near the Faenol Estate.

‘I skidded on some seaweed hitting rocks and then fell awkwardly onto my knee. I felt immediate pain and all I could do was scream. I started worrying about how and if I’d be located, knowing the tide was coming in.

‘I know the area well, when the tide comes in there’s no beach. It’s also very fast-moving water with multiple rip currents. My initial thought was I could try and drag myself the way I came, but I tried to move and there was absolutely no way – it was just agony. I was also in shock, I knew then I was in a very serious situation.

‘Thank god I had my phone and was able to call for help. When the RNLI lifeboat arrived I remember thinking; “It’s pretty good that if you’re freezing cold and in agony on the side of a beach by yourself, that volunteers will turn up in a lifeboat and take you to safety.”

‘I’m so glad the RNLI is a thing we all have because the alternative of being alone, injured and with no chance of anyone coming to save you is utterly terrifying.

‘It was really special to reunite with the crew who saved me so I could express my gratitude in person. I encourage that people support the Mayday campaign, so that these lifesavers can keep doing what they do best.’

With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, and urging the public to get involved with its biggest national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile.

Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond. Running a 24/7 lifesaving service is expensive and costs are rising – in 2023, it cost over £190M to run the RNLI.

Gwen Beeken, Beaumaris RNLI volunteer crew, says: ‘Usually we are heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help. Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.’

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.

Gwen added: ‘It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. We’re now heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today, and allow us to be there when we’re needed most.’

Emily says: ‘I’m so grateful to all the RNLI volunteers who helped rescue and look after me that day. They made sure to get me out of the cold, they kept me warm and dry and as comfortable as possible whilst maintaining a cheerful demeanour to help me distract me from the pain.

‘It’s been about 6 months since my injury and my rehabilitation has been going well. If you’re looking for a way to support this special charity and their lifesaving work, why not sign up for their Mayday Mile or donate.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday  

Two new appointments made after Covid-19 Inquiry walkout

WELSH Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS has announced changes to his Shadow Cabinet following the party’s withdrawal from the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purposes Committee last week.

The move came after Labour members voted to block a proposal requiring some witnesses to give evidence under oath.

South Wales West MS Tom Giffard, previously Co-Chair of the Inquiry Committee, has been appointed as Shadow Counsel General and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Delivery, External Affairs and the Welsh Language.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS and former party leader Paul Davies has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservatives. He will retain his existing positions as Chief Whip and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution.

Commenting on the reshuffle, Mr Millar said:

“I am delighted to announce these changes to my Shadow Cabinet team.

“Tom Giffard MS will bring his talent to bear in holding the Welsh Labour Government to account for its continued failure to deliver for the people of Wales.

“And Paul Davies MS will do an excellent job in the new role of Deputy Leader, bringing his experience to bear in the run-up to next year’s Senedd elections.

“Under Labour, Wales is broken. My team offers an alternative government-in-waiting with the talent and solutions Wales needs. We look forward to taking the helm next May.”

Deputy Leader Paul Davies MS added:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

“I look forward to working closely with Darren and our government-in-waiting to fix Wales and deliver a Welsh Conservative Government at the next Senedd elections.”

Tom Giffard MS said:

“I am proud to be joining Darren Millar’s Shadow Cabinet team as we approach the Senedd elections in 2026.

“Labour has failed Wales. I look forward to working with Darren and the team to deliver our plan to fix Wales after 26 years of Labour failure.”

Full Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet:

• Leader of the Opposition – Darren Millar MS
• Deputy Leader, Chief Whip and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution – Paul Davies MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education – Natasha Asghar MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport and North Wales – Gareth Davies MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care – James Evans MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Environment – Janet Finch-Saunders MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport and Rural Affairs – Peter Fox MS
• Shadow Counsel General, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Delivery, External Affairs and the Welsh Language – Tom Giffard MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Equalities and Social Justice – Altaf Hussain MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Children, Young People, Mental Health and Wellbeing – Joel James MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and the Armed Forces – Laura Anne Jones MS
• Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Energy – Samuel Kurtz MS
• Policy Director and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Sam Rowlands MS