FM is accused of doing 'nothing' to protect pensioners from fuel cash cut

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan has been accused of doing "absolutely nothing" to protect pensioners, following a UK Government U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts.

- GEORGE THOMPSON

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, called for Ms Morgan to apologise to the pensioners affected by the change last winter, arguing the Welsh Government should have stepped in to support those in need.

Speaking during First Minister's Questions yesterday, Mr Millar said the cut had forced vulnerable people to choose between heating and eating.

Baroness Morgan, leader of the Labour Welsh Government, said she was "absolutely delighted" that the UK Government had reversed the cut for many.

The payment, worth up to £300, will be restored to the vast majority of pensioners, with anyone with an income of under £35,000 a year now getting the payment automatically.

The decision last July to restrict the winter fuel payment to the poorest pensioners was intended to save around £1.5bn a year, with more than nine million people who would have previously been eligible losing out.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, announced the partial U-turn on Monday, following significant back lash from charities, opposition MPs and the UK Government's own back-benchers.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Millar said: "Yesterday we saw a screeching U-turn on the winter fuel allowance by Rachel Reeves, after considerable pressure from the Conservative Party.

"You will know that over half a million Welsh pensioners were deprived of their winter fuel payments last year, leaving some very vulnerable people with the unenviable choice of having to choose between heating and eating - it's an absolute disgrace.

"You are meant to stand up for Wales, but what did you actually do in terms of this winter fuel allowance? You did absolutely nothing."