Winter Fuel Payments Should be Extended to Families on Low Incomes

12.00.00am GMT Fri 27th Nov 2009

Winter Fuel Payments should be extended to all families in need.

A local Assembly Member has called for an extension to the Winter Fuel Payments for those on income support, or those who receive a premium for disability or long-term sickness, as more and more people in Wales are plunged into fuel poverty this winter.

Liberal Democrat Gwent AM, Michael German said, "As the cold winter months set in, the urgency of tackling fuel poverty is escalating. Since the Minister agreed to review the Fuel Poverty Strategy in 2007, energy prices have continued to rise pushing more and more Welsh households into fuel poverty.

"According to estimates by the National Energy Agency, around 340,000 households are predicted to be in fuel poverty this winter. There has been a 74% increase in excess winter deaths in Wales last year to a total of 2500, which averages at 20 extra deaths every day in Wales over the four winter months which is unacceptable"

Mr. German added, "The consultation on a fuel poverty strategy is welcome news, particularly given the current recession which has left so many struggling to pay their bills. However, we will not see action from this for some time yet and waiting until the end of next year for a new scheme will be too little too late for so many.

"Extending the Winter Fuel Payments to those on income support, or those who receive a premium for disability or long-term sickness, is a practical measure which can be introduced quickly It would help alleviate fuel poverty and support those who are in need and fuel poor, so that families in Wales do not have to choose between heating or eating this winter."