More pensioners will die because of the decision to withdraw the winter fuel payment, Wales' older people's commissioner has said. Rhian Bowen-Davies said UK ministers needed to reverse the decision that will see 90% of pensioners between 66 and 79 lose the payment.

County council bosses have come under fire for proposals to draw up a funding pot for winter fuel payments for pensioners, with an opposition councillor insisting the move will give struggling people just £3 each - which he called a “slap in the face”.

Winter Fuel Payments, intended to help pensioners meet rising energy costs, are about to be distributed to those who qualify. While these payments are worth up to £300, significant changes by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean around 10 million pensioners will no longer receive this benefit.