By Mark Isherwood, MS for North Wales

Leading the Welsh Conservative Senedd debate on 'Support for palliative care during the pandemic', I highlighted the pandemic's impact on those providing end-of-life care and those who are terminally ill and their loved ones, emphasised the importance of high quality palliative care and bereavement support services, noted that the Welsh Government allocation to the Hospice Emergency Fund was less generous than equivalent funds in all other UK nations, and called on the Welsh Government to increase support for palliative care and bereavement support services.

Questioning the First Minister, I called on him to justify his proposed Local Government Settlement, where Local Authorities in North Wales, with a higher proportion of older people, are set to lose out to South Wales yet again.

After concerns were raised with me by RNIB Cymru, I called on the Welsh Government to ensure that enhanced coronavirus safety measures in supermarkets cater for the needs of blind and partially sighted customers.

Speaking in the Debate on 'The General Principles of the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill', I again expressed concern that the Welsh Government has not said what situation the pandemic needs to be in before the First Minister formally requests a delay to the Welsh General Election due on May 6.

Questioning the Environment Minister, I asked what engagement the Welsh Government is having with Flintshire Council to agree the avoidable causes of county-wide flooding during January's Storm Christoph and ensure that preventative measures are put in place for the future. The Minister's reply included "It's up to the Local Authority to come forward with what they think is required".

I also visited distressed flood victims in Broughton and pledged to seek action from Flintshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales.

Responding to the Finance Minister's Statement on Devolved Taxes, I challenged her over the impact of the Welsh Government's increased 'Land Transaction Tax' Rates on many legitimate small and medium sized businesses, the negative consequences of their decision to enable Local authorities in Wales to levy council tax premiums on second homes, and their damaging proposals for a Tourism Tax.

Speaking on 'The Land Transaction Tax (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020', I warned that the Welsh Government's increase in this will penalise good residential landlords and legitimate self-catering businesses.

Other online engagements included a Cancer Research Wales 'World Cancer Day' Panel Discussion and a meeting with the new director of SP Manweb to discuss their activity and plans in North Wales.

Stay safe. If you need my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.