Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s (Wednesday) budget debate at the Assembly, Plaid Cymru AM Dr. Dai Lloyd today welcomed the budget deal struck between opposition parties and the Assembly Government but insisted that even more needs to be done to support pensioners in Swansea.

The deal which Plaid Cymru and the other opposition parties negotiated with the Assembly government will mean that all pensioners who have seen their properties raised two bands or more during the rebanding exercise will receive £100. A further £10m will be made available over two years for pensioners to provide energy schemes in order to cut household bills.

Plaid Cymru had originally called for all pensioners who had faced a rise in their council tax band to receive the payment. But due to the lack of powers of the Assembly this was not possible.

Dr. Lloyd commented:

“This is a very good deal for pensioners in Swansea. I am proud that we have succeeded in getting this money for the victims of New Labours rebanding scheme. It is a shame that we do not, as yet, have the powers here in Cardiff to offer even more.”

Dr. Lloyd further commented:

"Thanks to the hard work of Plaid Cymru 636 pensioners in Swansea will receive £100 as compensation for their council tax rising two bands or more. We have also succeeded in getting £10m for energy schemes to help pensioners cut their household bills. My task now is to make sure that every pensioner in Swansea who is entitled to these benefits receives them in full.”

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