The government’s decision not to pay temporary top ups during the winter for fuel allowance has been met with scrutiny, as up to 700,000 Welsh pensioners could be left struggling to pay their bills.

These pensioners will be losing out on a combined total of £35 million from the same period last year, and will struggle to afford their heating bills.

Ruth Marks, Older People’s Commissioner in Wales, said: “Many of the poorest and most vulnerable older people in Wales will find it even more difficult to pay fuel bills this winter due to cuts to the winter fuel allowance.”

She believes this decision has come at the wrong time, especially after major energy utilities have just raised their prices for gas and electricity.

Four of the ‘big six’ suppliers have pushed up fuel costs, blaming a rise in wholesale prices as the main reason.

The winter fuel allowance was started in 2008 and people could receive up to £300. This would be to cover utility costs over the colder months.

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