In our final Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee before the summer recess, I turned the spotlight onto animal welfare. I asked for an update on proposals to license the release of gamebirds in Wales and raised progress on the phased approach to a new national model for animal welfare regulation, making sure rescues, sanctuaries and rehoming centres are properly supported – something I have long campaigned for as a Member of the Senedd.

During the meeting I also pressed on the next steps towards phasing out greyhound racing in Wales, so it was good last week to hear that the first draft of the legislation banning greyhound racing has been published. The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill makes it an offence to use a stadium or similar venue, or knowingly permit it to be used, for greyhound racing, and also makes it an offence to be involved in organising greyhound racing in Wales. There’s still a long way to go but the first draft of this Bill is a step in the right direction to ban this cruel sport in our nation. As we head into a new session after the summer, it’s worth remembering you can watch many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

I also joined the Welsh Beaver Project and Wildlife Trusts Wales in the Senedd earlier this year for a screening of the film Balancing The Scales. The film, produced by the Beaver Trust, explores the relationship between beavers and migratory fish, highlighting both the challenges and the benefits they bring to our environment and communities. Beavers were once widespread across the Wales, but due to hunting they became extinct after the Middle Ages. Beavers play a vital role in enriching biodiversity by restoring and managing river and wetland ecosystems – they are known as a ‘keystone species’ because their activities can benefit a wide range of other animals and plants. You can see the film at https://beavertrust.org/our-work/balancing-the-scales.

Regular readers will know that I like to champion some of our excellent local food and drink producers – our corner of North East Wales has a lot to offer in terms of food and farming, and our great food and drink festivals and the recent Denbigh and Flint Show showcase some of our best local products. Last week I had the chance to drop in to Cariad Gin at the Clwydian Range Distillery near Halkyn Mountain to sample some of their drinks – run by Fiona and Simon Lewis, the distillery makes gin and other drinks using a traditional copper still and carefully-chosen and prepared botanicals and infusions. The family-run firm also do a delicious coffee liqueur which is well worth seeking out – it could be a good one for Christmas! I also had the chance to meet the tortoises roaming around in the gardens, the tortoise being the company’s logo.

You might like to know that applications for the Future Generations Fund – delivered by Community Foundation Wales and supported by the Principality Building Society – are now open. A total of £500,000 is available to support projects and organisations working to make a real difference, particularly those helping underserved or vulnerable groups across Wales. From young carers to inclusive family activities, including Daffodils here in Flintshire, this fund has already supported brilliant initiatives across our communities. Find out more information and how to apply at https://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/the-principality-building-societys-future-generations-fund.

Finally, the Welsh Government has launched a consultation into how the rules concerning council tax for self-catering holiday lets are applied. Since April 2023, self-catering properties must be available for 252 days a year and actually let for 182 days to pay non-domestic rates instead of council tax – the rules were brought in to ensure that property owners make a fair contribution to their local communities. The government’s proposals include making the 182-day rule an average across more than one year and also adds an exemption for up to 14 days of free holidays donated to charity. If you’re a holiday let owner or have an interest in this policy, you can have your say at www.gov.wales/proposed-refinements-classification-self-catering-properties-local-tax-purposes.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.