Howard League responds to Parc prison inspection

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report on Parc prison, published today (Wednesday 23 April).

Inspectors visited the prison, in Bridgend, South Wales, in January 2025 and found a serious decline in standards including a spate of tragic deaths from drug use.

The prison reported high levels of violence due to inconsistent regimes and people spending long periods of time locked up, as well as an almost 60% increase in levels of self-harm.

There was found to be widespread availability of drugs in the prison, with 57% of prisoners saying it was easy to get illicit drugs. On the main A and B wings, 34% of prisoners said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem since they had arrived at the jail.

Inspectors noted that the prison had undergone two years of turbulence and intense scrutiny, but that there were signs that things were beginning to improve.

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “According to the most recent figures, Parc prison currently holds 239 people more than it is able to safely house.

“While reports of recent improvement are welcome, there is no hiding from the fact that people are suffering due to the effects of chronic overcrowding across our prison estate.

“High levels of violence, drug use and self-harm ought to raise alarm bells, but have become commonplace in overstretched prisons that are unable to provide productive and positive regimes.

“We cannot address these issues until a concerted effort is made to significantly reduce prison numbers. In the meantime, people in prisons like Parc are suffering the consequences.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. The inspection report for Parc prison will be available on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website at: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/our-reports/

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Noor Khan
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