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An emergency support fund must be set up urgently to stop a growing number of pensioners falling into poverty, Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner has warned.
Rhian Bowen-Davies has called on the Welsh Government to establish a “resilience fund” aimed at providing direct financial assistance to older people who are struggling with basic living costs but fail to qualify for standard benefits.
The demand follows new figures, published by former pensions minister Steve Webb, showing rising levels of poverty among older people, particularly single households and older women.
Ms Bowen-Davies warned that poor housing and systemic gaps in financial support are driving vulnerable residents into crisis, costing the NHS millions.
Ms Bowen-Davies said: “Tackling poverty shouldn’t be seen as a cost, but rather an investment, which would boost the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of older people across Wales.
“It could also unlock tens of millions of pounds to improve services and communities by preventing costs associated with the crises that arise due to poverty, such as the estimated £40m cost to the NHS due to cold homes alone.”
The commissioner also warned that many pensioners are trapped by the Pension Credit “cliff edge”—where being just pounds over the threshold cuts off access to thousands of pounds in broader financial support.
Immediate state intervention is needed to improve home energy efficiency and streamline the benefit claiming process, she added.
Ms Bowen-Davies said: “It’s important we see immediate action to provide greater support to older people who are struggling financially.
“This means making it easier for older people to claim all of the financial support they are entitled to and ending the Pension Credit ‘cliff edge’.
“I have called on the Welsh Government to introduce this [resilience fund] as a matter of urgency and I await their response.”
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, the Off-grid Heating Support Scheme, and free expert energy advice for all households through the Nest helpline.
“We provide funding to local authorities to support food resilience and tackle food insecurity in their communities, and to the Fuel Bank Foundation to help people who pre-pay for their energy and are in fuel crisis.
“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.”
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