'Details for the Fuel Support Scheme are being finalised and I will share more information as soon as it is available'

MS for Wrexham

The Welsh Government will be extending its Fuel Support Scheme this autumn and winter, meaning more households will be eligible to benefit from a £200 payment to help keep their homes warm.

As the cost-of-living crisis escalates, a further £90m is being invested in the scheme which means almost 200,000 more low-income households across Wales will be eligible for a payment.

Thanks to the extension of the scheme, households on child tax credits, pension credits, disability benefits, carers allowance, contributory benefits and those receiving a council tax reduction will now be eligible for help.

Soaring energy bills are having a devastating impact on households in Wrexham but I’m proud the Welsh Labour Government is continuing to do everything in its power to help support people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Despite a number of measures being introduced in recent times by the Welsh Government, overall responsibility for this crisis lies with the UK Government. The economic choices, mismanagement and inaction of the Tory Government in Westminster, over a number of years, has led us to this position and only it has the mechanisms at its disposal to make enduring change.

Details for the Fuel Support Scheme are being finalised and I will share more information as soon as it is available. If you need support right now, the Welsh Government’s discretionary assistance fund is also available to those facing financial hardship. You can access that support here: https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf

Toast (To^st) is a brand new café and deli located on Charles Street in Wrexham that specialises in high quality, local produce. Set up by husband and wife team, Claire and Paul, I recently popped in for some lunch and to find out more about their venture.

It was really pleasing to hear they’ve received invaluable support from Business Wales and benefited from the Welsh Government’s Town Centre Entrepreneurship Fund. This scheme is specifically aimed at helping people who are looking to start and grow a business in one of four North Wales town/city centres – Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Wrexham – and further details can be found online. Claire and Paul are living their dream and I wish them every success.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is something I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.