[UK] AMs debate 'fuel poverty problem'

from The BBC

The impact of cold-related illnesses, which charity Help the Aged claims cause hundreds of deaths in Wales each year, are due to be discussed by AMs.

The debate has sparked a political row with Labour accusing opposition parties of "feigning an interest" in the problem of "fuel poverty".

Plaid Cymru has called Tuesday's debate and wants new measures including winter fuel payments for all disabled people.

But Labour said the problem had long been one of its priorities.

AMs will debate how best to tackle "fuel poverty" - a term which describes the difficulties faced by the poorest households in finding enough money to keep their homes warm.

According to Help the Aged, the number of older people who died from cold-related illnesses last year in Wales rose to 1,800.

'Worrying trend'

Plaid Cymru will demand a series of steps including making winter fuel payments available to all disabled people and not just pensioners.

The motion could be passed if it wins the support of the other opposition parties.

But some Labour members are angry that the issue is being discussed and have accused Plaid and the other parties of "feigning an interest" in a problem that is top of Labour's agenda.

Help the Aged said the number of OAP winter deaths was rising.

The charity's spokesman, Iwan Rhys Roberts, said it was "very concerned at this worrying trend".

He added: "We have written to assembly members to tell them of our concerns to ask them to back our call for research into the circumstances that are leading to so many deaths among older people in winter time."

During Tuesday's debate, Plaid Cymru will highlight the case of a woman of 52 with multiple sclerosis who is not entitled to the winter fuel benefit.

Ann Pitchforth has said she cannot not afford to have central heating on all the time.

She told BBC Wales: "Several people said to me this year and last year: 'We don't need this fuel allowance - we have sufficient means. People like yourselves need it more.'

"Surely there's a means tested criteria which could be enforced?"

The party has claimed Ms Pitchforth's case highlights a widespread problem of inadequate help with heating costs given to vulnerable groups.

Plaid Cymru social justice spokesperson Leanne Wood said: "It cannot be right that disabled people under 60 who are on low incomes and incapacitated have to struggle with the cost of heating."

Warmer homes

"It's wrong that people suffer and even in some tragic cases die because of the cold weather."

But Labour said ending fuel poverty and providing warm homes for the vulnerable and disadvantaged was at the core of its policy agenda.

It said an extra £10m was made available in the budget for warmer homes and a £200 winter fuel allowance was granted for pensioners with one of £300 for the over 80s.

Labour social justice committee member and Delyn AM Sandy Mewies said: "It does not suit Plaid Cymru and the other opposition parties to feign an interest in the pressing issues of fuel poverty and warmer homes when it has been top of Labour's agenda since the assembly was established and since we came to power in Westminster in 1997."