SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, fears for the health of pensioners in Wales after Labour ministers refused to back a Conservative motion.
This week the Welsh Conservatives submitted a Senedd motion calling on the UK Government to reverse its decision to end the universal Winter fuel payment but this move was narrowly defeated.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Health Minister said he was very concerned about the impact the removal of the allowance would have on pensioners in Wales.
He said: “Ending this Winter fuel payment for some pensioners is going to have a negative impact on the health of our older people here in Wales, and will certainly compound the issues when it comes to ever increasing waiting lists.
“We know that, according to the Department for Work and Pensions, the equality analysis of this policy of slashing this means that 1.6 million disabled people across the UK will lose their payments, 71% of those who were entitled to it. That’s going to make a significant impact across the UK, but certainly here in Wales as well.
“I was very disappointed with the result of the vote and I did ask the Minister responsible whether she was proud of the policy to remove the winter fuel payments from 400,000 pensioners.
“She told members that there were other benefits older people could access, however, there are many who will not be entitled to any help.
“I am really worried that this unpopular ruling will seriously affect the health of many older people in Wales and of course this will have a knock on affect with our already under pressure health service.”
