Welsh Affairs Committee writes to Executive Director of HMPPS Wales over Parc prison concerns

• Welsh Affairs Committee

The letter follows a private briefing with HMPPS Wales to discuss the ongoing issues at HMP Parc, in light of a recently published report where inspectors found “a serious deterioration in standards” at the prison.

The letter calls on HMPPS and G4S, the prison operator, to act urgently on several issues, including tackling the alarming ingress of drugs and conducting an urgent review of the food services’ contract, after reports around poor food quality.

The Committee also recommends HMPPS and G4S improve their key performance indicators to ensure the prison’s progress can be effectively monitored and scrutinised.

Chair comment

Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, Ruth Jones, said:  

“I am extremely disappointed with the lack of urgency and progress at HMP Parc. Leaders at the prison need to act much further and faster, and they need to deliver on their promises.

Whilst I’m grateful to hear progress has been made, there are too many concerns which haven’t been addressed. Never-ending reports of high levels of drug abuse and headlines of inadequate food for prisoners are unacceptable, and worryingly these issues are not new.

I’m deeply concerned for the welfare of Parc’s inmates. Officials at HMPPS and G4S need to act now.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
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Image: House of Commons