Plaid AM Nerys Evans last week met with Ruth Marks, Commissioner for Older People in Wales, to discuss various issues that effect the lives of pensioners here in Pembrokeshire. The role of the commissioner for older people, the first of its kind in the world, is to look after the interests of older people as a whole.

Nerys Evans said: "This was a great opportunity for me to highlight some of the issues that effect older people here in Pembrokeshire on a day to day basis. It is wonderful that we have a commissioner for older people here in Wales who has been appointed to specifically look after the interests of older people. One of the main issues affecting older people this winter is of course fuel poverty and the commissioner urged me to inform anybody who requires advice or help to contact her.

"With rising fuel prices, it is very worrying that thousands of the most vulnerable households are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills. Many will go to extremes to deal with the cost of rising bills. Some have no option other than go into debt, while others cut back on essentials and live in just one heated room. People who are having problems to pay their energy bills should know where to go for help and advice. Everybody should be able to heat, light and power their homes and that's why I encourage everybody to seek advice from the commissioner before the winter weather sets in."