Welsh Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan has welcomed the news that low-income households in Pembrokeshire that rely on heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) could be entitled to new help with energy costs.

A one-off £200 payment is being funded by the Welsh Labour Government, as global fuel prices remain high due to the conflict in the Middle East.The support will be available to eligible households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme who use heating oil or LPG. The UK Labour Government has allocated £3.8M to Wales to facilitate this cost-of-living payment.

The county council will get in touch with eligible households directly to invite them to apply for the payment. Those contacted will need to confirm their heating fuel type and payments will be paid to their bank accounts.

Local Welsh Labour MS Eluned Morgan said: “Many of my constituents are managing cost-of-living pressures and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices and exacerbating their anxieties.

“Alongside my Welsh Labour colleagues, I am dedicated to easing financial pressures for those in need. This £200 payment will provide immediate extra help, building on a package of support already in place for households and families who need it.

“I would urge everyone who is contacted by the local authority about this payment to claim the support they are entitled to. You will have six months to claim.”

Those in Mid and West Wales who are financially struggling but do not qualify for the one-off payment can apply to the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750, and people can apply twice in a 12-month period.

Since 2022, more than 230,000 people across Wales have received energy top-ups and fuel delivers through the Fuel Bank Foundation’s nation fuel voucher and emergency health fund. Applications for these types of support can be made through local authorities and third sector organisations such as Citizens Advice.

Eluned Morgan MS added:“If you are struggling to heat your home, you can also contact Nest on 0808 808 2244. Their Warm Homes scheme provides free energy efficiency advice and improvements to Welsh households that qualify.”