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

More support is needed for older people who are struggling financially, according to Wales’ older people’s commissioner.

Rhian Bowen-Davies has called for a funding pot to be established in Wales, following the UK Government’s announcement of a similar scheme.

The new Crisis and Resilience fund, worth £1bn a year, is set to be launched in England from April to provide financial support to households that are struggling

Ms Bowen-Davies said the fund presents “an opportunity to use consequential funding to establish a similar scheme here in Wales”.

She continued: “This is something I have been calling for, including in my recently published Priorities for the Next Welsh Government paper, as the criteria used by existing initiatives often leaves older people who are struggling financially excluded from being able to access vital support.

“We know that financial hardship has a significant cost – both in terms of the impact on people’s health and wellbeing, and the subsequent increased pressures on public services.”

Ms Bowen-Davies added: “Investing in tackling these issues would help to prevent people from reaching crisis point, reducing costs and pressures while also – importantly – improving people’s quality of life and supporting them to age well.

“That’s why establishing a Resilience fund must be a priority here in Wales.”

The Welsh Government was contacted for comment.