Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

The Welsh Government has announced funding to help people with pre-payment meters with rising energy costs.

The new £4m fuel voucher scheme will also go towards helping around 2,000 households not connected to mains gas.

The funding will go towards the Fuel Bank Foundation, which is a UK-wide charity helping people struggling to pay energy bills, to introduce fuel vouchers.

Vouchers will range from £30 in summer months to £49 during the winter, with households receiving up to three vouchers over a six-month period.

According to the Welsh Government, around 120,000 people on pre-payment meters will be eligible for support during the cost-of-living crisis.

The Welsh Government’s Social Justice Minister, Jane Hutt, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on people in Wales.

“Today, nearly half of all households in Wales are at risk of falling into fuel poverty. This is deeply shocking.

“This extra help is for people on pre-payment meters and for those who are not on mains gas or electricity – both ignored by the Chancellor [Rishi Sunak] in his latest package.”

The average household energy bill has increased by £693 a year for those on default tariffs, while people on pre-payment meters have seen their bills increase by an average of £708.

Matthew Cole, head of Fuel Bank Foundation, said: “The funding will enable the Fuel Bank Foundation to continue providing vital services to the most vulnerable in society, to ensure they don’t go cold or hungry this winter, when they can’t afford to top up their pre-payment gas and/or electricity meter.

“This support will also extend to households who live off the gas grid and rely on solid fuels such as oil, wood or coal to heat and power their homes.

“Furthermore, it will enable us to expand our operations and capabilities across Wales, with a Fuel Bank centre in every local authority, which will be up and running in time for autumn, when the weather starts to turn colder.”

Welcoming the funding, Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, said: “Figures have shown that standing charges for people on pre-payment meters in south Wales has risen by 94% – that’s the fourth highest in Britain.

“This initiative from the Welsh Government will bring further, targeted support for those who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty in Caerphilly and across Wales.”