More support needed for older people struggling financially – commissioner

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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.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are determined to prevent people from falling into poverty and to support those most in need.

“In Wales, support is provided through the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF), Single Advice Fund, School Essentials Grant, support for community food organisations, and free expert energy advice for all households through the Warm Homes Nest helpline.

“We provide funding to local authorities to deliver emergency food support in their communities, and to the Fuel Bank Foundation to help people facing emergency fuel costs.

“We have piloted tailored support for older people applying to the DAF, helping them claim what they are entitled to and better manage their finances, with encouraging early results.”