Winter fuel: Welsh pensioners face '£35m black hole'

Pensioners in Wales could face a £35 million 'black hole' this winter after a 'lifeline' fuel payment has been reduced, WalesOnline reports.

A Government decision, announced in March's Westminster Budget, to stop paying temporary top-ups to the winter fuel allowance means that an estimated 700,000 Welsh pensioners will receive around £35 million less than they did in 2010 in the annual tax-free payments.

Approximately 694,200 Welsh pensioners claimed for help to pay their fuel bills last year - with those in the over-60s age range claiming £250, and the over-80s £400. However, the Government decision to cut the temporary payment increase introduced by the former government will see winter fuel payments drop to £200 and £300 for the two age groups respectively.

The decision has raised fears that many vulnerable older people could face fuel poverty this winter, as they're forced to choose between 'heating or eating'.

A spokesperson for debt management company Gregory Pennington commented: "With recent rises in energy bills and rising inflation squeezing many people's budgets, this winter could be tougher than ever for many pensioners trying to heat their homes - and the cut in Welsh pensioners' fuel payments is another blow.

"We'd advise anyone struggling to cover the cost of their bills to seek financial advice as soon as possible."