News

Welsh Labour Minister defends winter fuel payment cut

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2024

A WELSH Labour minister has defended the decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners, sparking heated debate in the Senedd. The changes, which could see an estimated 500,000 pensioners losing up to £300 this winter, have drawn sharp criticism from both Conservative and Plaid Cymru members.

During Wednesday’s debate, Conservatives called on Labour to urge the UK government to reverse the plans, warning of a “devastating impact” on vulnerable pensioners. Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt responded by highlighting the “difficult decisions” being made due to a £22 billion “black hole” in UK public finances. Hutt argued that these cuts are a consequence of “14 years of Tory austerity and economic mismanagement.”

Plaid Cymru supported the Conservative calls to reverse the cuts but also accused UK Labour of continuing Conservative “austerity” policies. Despite the opposition, Labour defeated the motion to reverse the decision in a narrow vote, with many Labour Senedd members absent from the debate.

Both Conservatives and Plaid Cymru warned that the cuts could have dire consequences. Conservative South Wales Central MS Joel James opened the debate, stating that the Labour government would be “taking vital income away from those who most need it.” He cited Labour Party research suggesting that scrapping universal payments could lead to an increase in excess deaths by almost 4,000 this winter.

Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams echoed these concerns, accusing Labour of exacerbating inequality through austerity measures that disproportionately affect those on low incomes. “Austerity measures deepen inequality by exacerbating the hardship faced and felt by people on low incomes while enabling the wealthiest to shoulder the lightest burden,” Williams said.

Jane Hutt, one of only two Labour speakers in the debate, defended the cuts, emphasising the financial constraints faced by the UK government. She mentioned a £22 billion shortfall in public finances, necessitating “difficult decisions.” Hutt also highlighted efforts to promote pension credit uptake and mentioned several Welsh government schemes, such as the emergency discretionary assistance fund, which she said were underutilised by pensioners.

Despite her defence, Hutt had previously acknowledged that the cuts risked “pushing some pensioners into fuel poverty.” Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also stated that “no one in Labour is happy” with the move but maintained it was necessary to balance the budget.

Conservatives in the Senedd chamber challenged the validity of the £22 billion “black hole” claim. Janet Finch Saunders demanded evidence to support the figure, questioning the minister’s assertion. The Conservatives argue that the cuts will have severe repercussions on pensioners, with some, like Andrew RT Davies, pointing out that even those marginally over the pension credit threshold will lose out on the £300 payment.

Labour MS Mike Hedges was the only other Labour politician to speak during the debate, suggesting that the cuts were necessary to focus support where it’s most needed. He questioned the fairness of providing winter fuel payments to wealthy individuals, listing names like Paul McCartney and Elton John as examples of those who do not need this support.

Hedges also highlighted the complexities of predicting the impact of the cuts, arguing, “We don’t know how many people are going to die this winter. You can’t know.” He emphasised that a more equitable system would involve pension credit entitlement based on earnings.

The Conservative motion to reverse the changes was narrowly defeated by Labour, with 23 votes in favour and 24 against. Under the new policy, pensioners not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive the annual winter fuel payment. Previously, all pensioners were entitled to this support to help with energy bills.

The winter fuel payment, which totals £200 or £300 depending on the recipient’s age and benefits status, has been a crucial source of support for pensioners during the colder months. The changes come as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plan to target support to those most in need amidst tight public finances.

A UK government spokesperson defended the decision, telling The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are committed to giving pensioners the dignity and security they deserve in retirement, which is why we are protecting the triple lock with the state pension set to increase by £1,700 over the course of parliament.” They added that despite the financial constraints, the government aims to continue supporting those in need, with over a million pensioners still receiving the winter fuel payment and the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme.

As winter approaches, the implications of these cuts on pensioners across Wales and the UK remain a contentious and deeply felt issue.

News

Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach

Published

31 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.

The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.

Stranded on sand

Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.

However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”

It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.

‘Not the first’

Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.

One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”

Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”

Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.

Expensive mistake

New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.

Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.

One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”

Recovery expected

As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.

Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.

One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.

“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”

Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”

Community

Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

Published

33 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

News

Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.