Age Cymru respond to assurances that more pensioners in Wales to receive Winter Fuel Payments

Age Cymru has responded to assurance that more pensioners in Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

Victoria Lloyd Chief Executive at Age Cymru said: “We are encouraged by the Chancellor’s words today, but will wait to see the detail, which needs to be published very soon if changes are to be made in time for this winter, something that is absolutely crucial if we’re to protect the pensioners at greatest risk.

“At Age Cymru we have consistently said that our biggest worry about the UK Government’s policy is that it resulted in thousands of older people in Wales losing their Winter Fuel Payment when they couldn’t afford to do so.

“We saw the results in the winter just gone, with many pensioners on low and modest incomes not even trying to keep their homes sufficiently warm, for fear of running up a sky high bill. We must avoid a repeat this year and if the UK Government is to reform its policy in a way that achieves this, we will be both pleased and relieved.”