Ministers say face-to-face advice is vital, but questions remain over why support is still so difficult to access

OLDER people across Wales are being urged to check whether they are missing out on financial support as the Welsh Government promises to make the benefits system simpler, fairer and easier to use.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Sioned Williams, said ministers want to improve how Welsh benefits are delivered and ensure people can still access face-to-face advice where they need it.

But the announcement comes against a familiar backdrop of rising household bills, low benefit take-up and continuing concerns that many older people are put off by a complicated system split between Welsh, UK and local authority responsibilities.

Ms Williams visited Age Connects Morgannwg’s Cynon Linc on Thursday (July 2), where she met staff and service users to hear how welfare advice is helping older people access support they may be entitled to.

The Welsh Government said the visit highlighted the importance of trusted, community-based advice, particularly for older people who may be less likely to use online services.

It comes as energy bills remain under pressure, with Ofgem confirming a 13 per cent rise in the energy price cap from July 1 for a typical household paying by direct debit.

Welsh Government campaigns have previously warned that large sums in benefits go unclaimed in Wales every year. Earlier this year, ministers said previous winter campaigns had returned more than £10.5m to people across Wales since 2020, including support through Welsh and UK benefits, pensions, care costs and council tax reductions.

Eligible claimants could receive around £1,800 through Pension Credit or save around £800 a year on council tax, according to Welsh Government figures.

Speaking during the visit, Daisy Cole, Chief Executive of Age Connects Morgannwg, said many older people find asking for help the hardest step.

She said: “We are delighted to welcome the Deputy First Minister to Cynon Linc and the opportunity to show why, for many older people, reaching out for support is the hardest step.

“Older people often tell us the greatest difference isn’t simply the financial support they receive, it’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone has listened, understands their situation and can help them navigate what can often feel like a complex system.

“No one should miss out on the support they are entitled to because they don’t know where to turn, find the system too difficult to navigate or feel unable to ask for help.

“Peace of mind begins with knowing you don’t have to face things alone. That’s why relationships matter. They give people the confidence to take that first step, knowing someone will listen, understand and walk alongside them.”

The Welsh Government says it wants to work towards a Welsh Welfare System that is simpler and easier to navigate.

Ministers say they will review existing benefits and support schemes to make sure they are having the maximum impact, while also looking at ways to improve take-up.

They also plan to continue pressing the UK Government for greater welfare powers for Wales.

Ms Williams said: “We are working towards a Welsh Welfare System that is simpler, fairer and easier to navigate, making it as straightforward as possible for people to access the financial support they are entitled to.

“That includes improving how Welsh benefits are delivered while ensuring face-to-face advice and help remains available for those who need it.

“Services like Age Connects Morgannwg play a vital role in helping people understand what support is available and giving them the confidence to claim what they’re entitled to, so fewer older people miss out on financial support that could make a real difference to their lives.

“We’re also clear that decisions about welfare are best made as close as possible to the people they affect.

“That’s why we’ll continue to press the UK Government to devolve more welfare powers to Wales, so we can build a system that better reflects the needs and priorities of people here.

“If you think you, or someone you know, may be entitled to financial support, I encourage you to seek advice and find out what help is available.”

However, the challenge for ministers will be turning the promise of a simpler system into practical change for people who already struggle to know what help exists.

A Welsh Government accessibility audit published earlier this year found that only two of Wales’ 22 local authorities referred to the Welsh Benefits Charter on their websites, despite all councils having signed up to it.

The charter was designed to help create a more coherent Welsh benefits system, with an ambition that people should only have to tell their story once to access support.

For older people, the issue is not only whether support exists, but whether it can be found, understood and claimed without stress.

Many key benefits, including Pension Credit, State Pension, Attendance Allowance and Universal Credit, remain the responsibility of the UK Government. Other forms of help, including council tax reduction and some local support schemes, are handled in Wales or through councils.

That split can make the system harder to navigate, particularly for older people who are digitally excluded, isolated, or unsure whether asking for support will affect other payments.

The latest announcement is not the launch of a new benefit, but a renewed commitment to improve take-up and simplify access.

Across Wales, Advicelink Cymru’s Claim What’s Yours advisers can help people check whether they are eligible for extra income and guide them through the claims process.

For free and confidential advice, call 0800 702 2020.

A HAVERFORDWEST woman is to stand trial after denying two drug-driving allegations.

Sian Brazendale, 48, of Pedwar, Dingle Lane, Crundale, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 1.

She is accused of driving a grey Peugeot on West Street, Fishguard, on October 31 last year when the proportion of benzoylecgonine in her blood was allegedly 800ug/L, exceeding the specified legal limit.

Brazendale is also accused of driving the same vehicle on the same road and date when the proportion of cocaine in her blood was allegedly 67ug/L, again exceeding the specified limit.

Both charges are brought under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The court list records that Brazendale entered not guilty pleas to both charges on March 17.

The case has now been adjourned for trial at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on September 17. The trial is expected to last three hours.

Brazendale was remanded on unconditional bail.

A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of a burglary and assault following an incident in Monkton, Pembroke.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 1.

The defendant faces an allegation of burglary of a dwelling with attempted grievous bodily harm, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.

The charge states that on June 23, at Monkton, the defendant is alleged to have entered a dwelling as a trespasser and attempted to inflict grievous bodily harm on a person inside.

The teenager is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, relating to the same date and area.

No pleas were recorded on the court list.

The case was adjourned to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for further case management on August 4. A trial has also been listed for August 10.

The defendant was remanded on conditional bail.

Bail conditions include a daily curfew between 8:00pm and 6:00am, a ban on entering specified areas of Monkton, and a condition not to contact two named people either directly or indirectly.

The youth must also comply with intensive supervision by the Youth Justice Team and attend at least two appointments a week as directed.

The defendant cannot be identified because Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 applies.