Many Labour Senedd members absent as Jane Hutt defends UK Labour cut in debate.

A Welsh Labour minister defended cuts to winter fuel payments for most pensioners in a debate on Wednesday.

Conservatives challenged Labour in the Senedd to back calls for the UK government to reverse the plans, warning they will have a “devastating impact” with an estimated 500,000 losing up to £300 this winter.

But Jane Hutt, Social Justice Secretary, said “difficult decisions” were being taken because of a £22bn “black hole” in UK public finances.