DEPUTY Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies MS brought examples from his own Pembrokeshire constituency as he argued for a sustainable funding package for Wales' hospice and palliative care sector.
The sector plays an exceptional role in providing high quality end of life care and support to families up and down Wales.
Regretfully, the hospice and palliative care sector has recently faced unprecedented financial pressures as a result of Employers’ National Insurance increases, workforce shortages, and an increase in demand.
In the Senedd on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Welsh Conservatives brought forward a debate recognising the vital role that the hospice and palliative care sector plays, and outlined our commitment to develop a new sustainable funding model for hospices in Wales including an additional £40 million over the next Senedd term.
This debate took place before the Senedd votes on the Legislative Consent Motion on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill next month.
Welcoming the debate, Marie Curie Cymru Policy and Public Affairs Manager Dr Tomos Evans, said:
“This week’s debate is an important reminder that hospice services are an integral part of our palliative and end of life care system which is under huge pressure. Too many people are spending their final days isolated, in pain and struggling to make ends meet.
“In Wales, almost a fifth of hospital beds are occupied by people in their last 12 months of life, and one in 14 emergency department attendances relates to someone at end of life. This tells us the system is struggling to support dying people and those close to them.
“More people need to get the right care, in the right place – and we need to reduce avoidable trips to A&E. As the UK’s leading end of life charity, we know hospices and hospice care services in the community are key to providing care and support to people at end of life and those close to them.
“Placing hospices on a sustainable financial footing must be part of the solution, alongside clear leadership and action to fully integrate palliative and end of life care across health and social care.”
Commenting after speaking in the debate, Paul Davies MS, 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.”
