Gower Assembly Member, Rebecca Evans AM, has welcomed the recently announced Bill which is set to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Wales.
 
The Wild Animals and Circuses (Wales) Bill aims to address ethical concerns by banning the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Wales.
 
The Bill, which would see an end to the use of animals like camels, zebra and reindeer in travelling circuses, was overwhelmingly backed in a recent consultation with more than 6,500 responses.
 
Rebecca Evans AM said: “The introduction of this Bill sends a clear message, this practice is outdated and ethically unacceptable.
 
“I am fully behind the Welsh Labour Government’s decision to introduce this Bill. I have long recognised the need to take action in this area, and this announcement will be welcomed by many people. The use of wild animals in Circuses will not be tolerated in Wales.” 
 
The new legislation will make it an offence for an operator of a travelling circus to use, or permit another person to use, a wild animal in a travelling circus.
 
Anyone convicted of breaking the law would face an unlimited fine in the courts.

Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, is backing ‘Fair Tax Week‘ (6-14 July), a UK-wide celebration of the companies and organisations that are proud to pay their fair share of corporation tax, and Church Action for Tax Justice’s ‘Tax Justice Sunday’ (7th July).
 
Rebecca Evans AM said: “Every year, billions of pounds are missing from the UK’s public purse because companies choose to avoid paying their corporation tax.
 
“This tax avoidance causes huge damage. Small businesses cannot compete because it is not a level playing field. Money funnels upwards contributing to growing inequality. Democracy is undermined as companies play by their own rules, and less money is available for the vital public services we all need.”
 
Rebecca Evans AM is encouraging local businesses and organisations across Gower and Swansea to find out more about Fair Tax, and become part of a growing UK-wide network leading on responsible practice, changing the tax landscape for the better, and taking pride in the tax they pay.
 
Paul Monaghan, Chief Executive, Fair Tax Mark, said: “Corporation Tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be. Not when considered against the huge array of public services it helps fund - from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also plays a crucial role in holding the whole tax system together – helping to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.”
 
ENDS
 
Notes to editors:
 
The issue of ‘fair tax’ rose to prominence as it emerged high profile businesses had been avoiding paying corporation tax - which not only distorts the UK economy but also undermines the opportunity for business to compete fairly. It is has been estimated that €600bn of corporate profits are annually shifted to tax havens, with corporate tax revenue losses globally of €200bn per year – which equates to approximately £7bn of missing revenues in the UK. Polls of consumers and the public consistently reveal that one of their biggest concerns about business is the fair payment of tax.
 
For more information, see: www.fairtaxmark.net
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Does your organisation use food?  Do you want to save money on your food bills?  Then FareShare Cymru may be able to help.

FareShare Cymru is a registered food redistribution charity based in Cardiff, operating throughout South Wales. We are excited to now be expanding our service to include Swansea.

FareShare secures good quality surplus food and drink from the food industry.  FareShare redistribute good food that would otherwise go to waste to frontline charities and community groups supporting vulnerable people, providing them with a value for money option for their supply food and drink. This may be for their kitchens, the kitchens used by residents, cooking classes, food parcels, breakfast clubs, after school clubs etc. 

Food becomes surplus for a whole range of reasons from packaging errors to short date coding or cosmetic imperfections.  But all the food FareShare provides is within its use by or best before date and stringent policies and procedures are followed for storage and transportation to meet all food safety legislation. 

From marvellous meat, dairy and fish to flavoursome fruit and veg, the food we save is good quality, in date and could help you provide a healthy varied menu for the people you support.

FareShare works with a huge range of charities and community organisations including hostels for the homeless, women's refuges, refugee centres, youth groups, community centres, community cafes, lunch clubs, churches, school holiday clubs, community pantry’s and many more.  If what you do isn’t on the list—give them a call or ann e-mail and ask if they can help you.  If you are using food regularly for social good, the chances are they can!

FareShare are now inviting organisations in Swansea to express an interest in becoming Community Food Members.

If your organisation or project supports vulnerable people in your community and you are a charity, not-for-profit organisation, community group or a social enterprise providing a meal or food service, please get in touch to find out more.
 
Email:  [email protected]
Phone: 02920 362111 – ask for Sarah or Katie
Write to us: Unit S5, Capital Business Park, Cardiff CF3 2PU

Gower Assembly Member, Rebecca Evans AM, has welcomed the Welsh Labour Government’s announcement that the NHS Wales bursary scheme will remain in place for students starting their courses in 2020. 
 
While the bursary for eligible student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals was scrapped by the Tories in England in 2017, the full package will continue to be available in Wales for those who commit to working in Wales for up to two years after they qualify.
 
This announcement provides certainty about bursary arrangements to both students and providers, enabling them to plan for their future.
 
Rebecca Evans AM said: “This decision is about investing in the future of the Welsh NHS. I welcome the Welsh Labour Government’s commitment to training the next generation of nurses and midwives. 
 
“The difference between Labour in Wales and the Tories in England couldn’t be clearer, in Wales we value our healthcare workforce and are committed to supporting them through their studies.”