Commissioner responds to Welsh Government announcement setting out additional cost-of-living support
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:
“I welcome the additional cost-of-living measures announced today by the Welsh Government, reflecting calls for action I made earlier this year, which will provide much needed support to older people who are struggling financially as prices rise significantly again in the New Year.
“Support for people who use heating oil or LPG is particularly welcome, as some households have seen the cost of these fuels rise significantly, with heating oil prices more than doubling over the past year. Wales also has a particularly high proportion of properties that are not connected to the mains gas grid, meaning many households rely on these types of fuel for heating.
“Investment to protect bus and community transport services is also important, given the vital role these services play in helping older people stay connected and access essential services.
“It’s essential that clear, accessible information about the support available is provided through a variety of channels, working with partners in communities across Wales to reach out effective to older people to ensure they understand what they might be entitled to and how they can access it. This must include non-digital information to ensure that individuals who are not online do not miss out on vital support.
“I would also like to see greater emergency assistance for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship but do not qualify for other forms of support, delivered through a specific Resilience Fund for Wales.
“Longer-term, we also need a national debate about how we can develop sustainable solutions that provide greater financial security and prevent people facing the same pressures and challenges year after year.”
