November 10, 2026 - 200 views
Families across Wales are to receive further help with the rising cost of living under a £130 million support package announced by the Welsh Government.
The measures include a £100 payment towards energy costs for eligible households, additional help for people relying on heating oil or LPG, and funding aimed at protecting local bus services from rising fuel prices.
The £100 payment will be available to households in council tax bands A to D. It is also being extended to everyone receiving the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, regardless of which council tax band they live in.
A further £8 million will be given to local authorities to help households experiencing financial hardship which are not covered by existing support schemes.
Councils will be able to use the funding to extend the £100 payment to those who need it most, with further guidance expected shortly.
An additional £5 million has been earmarked for households dependent on alternative heating fuels. Eligible households receiving Council Tax Reduction and relying on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas will be able to claim a £250 payment.
The package also includes £7 million to help bus operators manage higher fuel costs, with the aim of preventing local bus services being withdrawn and avoiding fare increases for passengers.
The funding will also help protect community transport and learner transport services.
The Welsh Government says it will strengthen its Claim What's Yours campaign to make sure more people know what financial support they may be entitled to and where to access help.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Equalities Sioned Williams said supporting families with the cost of living remained a priority.
She said the additional investment would provide immediate relief to households over the winter months.
The Welsh Government is also calling on Westminster to take further action, including removing the benefit cap, increasing Local Housing Allowance and introducing social tariffs to provide longer-term support for households struggling financially.
