Families and communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are set to benefit from a package of Welsh Government support aimed at helping households cope with the continuing cost of living pressures.

The package announced by the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government includes:

• £100 payments for households in Council Tax Bands A-D

• Extending the £100 payment to all households receiving Council Tax Reduction, regardless of council tax band

• Additional funding for local authorities to support households experiencing hardship who are not eligible for other schemes

• £5 million will be provided to help with off-grid heating costs. This includes a £250 payment for households that both receive Council Tax Reduction and rely on heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.

• Funding to help protect vital local bus services and keep fares affordable

These measures are particularly significant for communities across Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, where many households are not connected to the mains gas network and instead rely on heating oil or LPG.

While not all off-grid households will qualify for direct assistance, the package includes a £250 payment for eligible lower-income households receiving Council Tax Reduction, providing targeted support to those most likely to struggle with winter fuel costs.

Under the package, households eligible for Council Tax Reduction and dependent on heating oil or LPG will be entitled to a £250 payment.

Ceredigion Penfro Member of Senedd Kerry Ferguson said: “This support will be welcomed by families right across Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire who continue to feel the pressure of rising household bills.

“In many of our rural communities, people are facing costs that households in urban areas simply do not encounter, particularly those who rely on heating oil or LPG to keep their homes warm.

“The £250 off-grid fuel payment recognises the reality for thousands of households across west Wales and will provide valuable help as we head into the winter months. The wider package, including support for lower council tax bands and protections for local bus services, will also make a meaningful difference to family budgets.”

Her fellow Plaid Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, Anna Nicholl added: “Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have a large number of residents who are worried about the cost of heating their homes, putting food on the table and getting to work, school or medical appointments.

“This package targets assistance where it is needed most. As well as direct financial support, it helps safeguard local bus routes that are often a lifeline in rural areas and ensures additional help is available through local authorities for people who may otherwise fall through the gaps.

“We will continue to press for long-term action to tackle the cost of living, but this funding will provide important and immediate support for many households across our communities,” she added.

Wales’ Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equalities Sioned Williams said: “Supporting families with the cost of living is a key priority for this government.

"This package represents a significant investment in Welsh communities and reflects our determination to stand alongside households during challenging times.”