Miscellaneous

If you already have a meter, or have requested one, the Bill Cap – WaterSure Wales tariff puts a cap on the amount you have to pay for your water, so you won’t pay over a certain amount for the year, no matter what your actual consumption is. The Bill Cap – WaterSure Wales charge from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 is £532.27 (£218.28 for water, £313.99 for sewerage). To be eligible, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit or tax credit and either have 3 or more children under the age of 19 living at your home…

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On 8th May, we remember VE Day, marking the end of WWII in 1945. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary, we remember and give thanks to the volunteers of Women’s Voluntary Services (now Royal Voluntary Service) for their vital role in air raid precautions, evacuations, and wartime support. The ‘Women in Green’ who stepped forward to give the gift of volunteering to support their communities during the Second World War. Originally founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions (WVS), Royal Voluntary Service is the largest volunteering organisation in British history, and the charity’s volunteers continue…

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In 2019 the Welsh Government introduced the ‘Eye Care Measures’ for NHS Outpatients after concerns were raised by RNIB Cymru that ophthalmology services across Wales were struggling. Patients were waiting far too long for both first appointments and for follow-up appointments. Because appointment targets were focused only on new patients, those already in the system and in need of ongoing treatment were delayed, regardless of clinical risk. This caused significant numbers of patients with treatable conditions to permanently lose their sight. The Eye Care Measures allows for priority to be directed to the most urgent cases to ensure that patients…

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The Special Rules allow an adult or child who has less than 12 months to live, to get faster access to certain benefits, or to higher benefits, and avoid a medical assessment. The Special Rules apply to anyone who may be nearing the end of life due to age or illness. You or someone on your behalf, can ask a clinician to submit an SR1 Form. However, for claims to Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance, only an appointee or a person who has power of attorney can make a third-party claim on the patient’s behalf. Clinicians can then submit…

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Pension Credit has a notoriously low rate of take-up. More than 800,000 older people living on very low incomes are not claiming Pension Credit they’re entitled to receive. Pension Credit can make a notable difference to people’s lives. Pension Credit is worth more than the top up, because when in receipt of it, you can access a range of other income related benefits such as a free TV licence, council tax deductions, and now the Winter Fuel Payment. Many organisations are working hard to reach out to the community and provide advice and help with Pension Credit and income maximisation. If you…

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The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide to help older people and their families better understand their rights when accessing their GP practice, and the kinds of services and support that should be available. The guide includes information on a range of topics, from communicating with your practice, to finding the right service and professional, to the support that should be offered to help meet your needs, to what you can do if you’re not happy with the service you are receiving.  Versions of the guide are available in BSL, Audio and Easy Read formats, alongside summaries…

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Everyone in the UK has a legal right to see their own medical or health records under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Under GDPR accessing your medical records is free, and you do not have to pay anything. You do not have to explain why you want to see them, and you can nominate someone else, for example a solicitor, to view your records, provided they have written consent. Your request could be refused if a health professional believes seeing the records would be seriously harmful to your physical or mental health. Your medical records include any information about…

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