A SENEDD debate on the financial crisis facing Wales’ hospice and palliative care sector ended with Labour voting against a Welsh Conservative proposal to create a new funding model and commit an additional £40 million over the next Senedd term.

The motion, tabled by the Welsh Conservatives, recognised the role hospices play in providing end-of-life care and support to families across Wales, while warning that providers are facing unprecedented pressure from rising costs, staffing shortages and growing demand.

Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Paul Davies MS said the sector needed certainty and long-term stability, arguing that tax rises had forced hospices to make difficult decisions at a time when more people required specialist care.

He said: “I am disappointed that Labour did not support our much-needed support package for the hospice and palliative care sector.

“Substantial tax rises have forced the sector to make difficult decisions. They are in need of certainty and a new, sustainable funding model.

“The Welsh Conservatives have a credible plan to support hospices and palliative care and we are the only party putting money on the table to secure the long-term future of this vital sector.”

Charities working in end-of-life care used the debate to highlight wider pressures in the health and social care system, warning that too many people are spending their final days isolated, in pain, and without the support they need.

Marie Curie Cymru said hospice services and community-based hospice care are essential to helping people receive the right care in the right place, and to reducing avoidable trips to A&E. The charity called for clear leadership and action to integrate palliative and end-of-life care more effectively across services, warning that demand is set to increase in the coming years.

Hospice UK also said the current funding model is unsustainable, with charitable donations meeting a large share of costs, and warned that without urgent action Wales could see more services closing, loss of specialist staff and fewer options for families coping with life-shortening conditions.

Children’s hospice charity Tŷ Hafan said the Conservatives had been the first party to respond to its call for a fair funding pledge for the 2026–2031 Senedd term. It said a long-term uplift would help it reach more children and families, and urged other parties to match the ambition, arguing that children’s hospices in Wales have been underfunded for too long.

The motion debated in the Senedd called for the development of a new sustainable funding model and cited concerns that some hospices are already cutting services and facing potential bed closures.

CONSORT EQUIPMENT PRODUCTS – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electric heaters – has been acquired by family-owned investment firm Lifeboat Capital. The deal was backed by a seven-figure debt funding package from Frontier Development Capital (FDC) and other investors.

Consort, which is based in Milford Haven, supplies heaters to electrical wholesalers nationwide under the Consort and Claudgen brands, and manufactures own-brand products for leading suppliers. Following the acquisition, the current management team headed by Managing Director, Gareth Davies, will continue to lead the growth of the business.

The deal will enable the former Managing Director, Edward Spankie, and Materials Director, Chris Baggs, to realise their investment in the business though they will continue in a consultancy role. It will also provide additional investment to fund the growth of the business.

Established in 1966, Consort employs over 70 staff and manufactures over 250 product lines ranging from fan and panel heaters to air curtains and towel rails. The company has invested heavily in its modern 90,000 sq ft factory in Milford Haven and regularly introduces new products, with recent additions including wi-fi enabled heaters controlled by a mobile app.

The acquisition is the third to date by Lifeboat Capital, which was founded in 2019 and is the family office of the Afshar family. Lifeboat – which focuses on long-term investments in niche, high-quality UK businesses – also owns Southend-based Formara Print & Marketing and Oldham-based stockinette manufacturer Appletex.

Dr Taha Afshar, Chief Investment Officer at Lifeboat, said: “Lifeboat is committed to strengthening British manufacturing businesses and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. With its efficient electric heating solutions and a track record for quality and innovation, Consort aligns strongly with our values and goals. The company will continue to operate as an independent business, and with the benefit of additional investment to support its long-term growth. Our vision is to be the definitive choice for sustainable, reliable and innovative electric heating.”

Graham Mold, Head of Growth Capital at Frontier Development Capital, added: “Consort has been manufacturing in Milford Haven since 1966 and is one of the best-known brands in the market. This deal will ensure a smooth transition of ownership and secure the future of the business.  With Lifeboat’s support, Consort is embarking on a new chapter on its growth journey and is positioned to go from strength to strength.”

HMP PARC, which houses many prisoners from Pembrokeshire, is set to refer a reported assault on a prison officer to police.

A prison officer was reportedly assaulted by an inmate at HMP Parc, it has been claimed.

The incident is understood to have happened at around midday on Thursday on D-Wing at the Bridgend jail.

A prison spokesman said the matter would be referred to police and that support was being offered to the member of staff involved.

The spokesman said: “A prisoner was involved in an incident with a staff member on Thursday.

“We are supporting our colleague and will be referring the matter to the police.”

South Wales Police has been contacted for comment.