Welsh Govt doubling winter fuel payments

THE Welsh Government has confirmed they will double Winter Fuel payments as the cost of living continues to soar.

The Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt announced that the one-off payment will increase to £200.

The payment scheme, which was launched in December, has now been extended to support families facing rising energy bills and costs.

The scheme has been launched as part of the Welsh Government’s bespoke Household Support Fund, which is providing £51m of targeted support for families and the most vulnerable in society.

Following the announcement, Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Right across Wales, people are seeing their bills rise and wages are being stretched like never before. From energy bills to prices at the pumps and the costs of everyday essentials.

“We know some people are facing the incredibly difficult decision about whether they heat or eat. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, which is getting worse.

“Our £51m Household Support Fund targeted support at families across Wales. We know these initiatives are working and making a real difference to low-income households.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce we’re going to extend support to households by doubling the Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment. We’re increasing the £100 payment to £200, available to new applicants and retrospectively paid to those who have applied already.”

Local authorities will process new applications from eligible households. To be eligible for the payment, one member of the household must be in receipt of certain welfare benefits. Further details are available on local authority websites, which will be updated to reflect the increased payment.

Councils have contacted people they believe are eligible. If they have not yet made an application, these can be submitted until 28 February.

People who have already received a £100 payment under the scheme do not need to do anything - they will receive a further £100 payment in the coming weeks.