HMP Cardiff struggling at full capacity, say prison monitors

The 2023-24 annual report of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Cardiff (published 29 January 2025) highlights the impact of ongoing national prison population pressures. The prison has been at operational capacity or very close to it, for the majority of the reporting year, which has created challenges in ensuring conditions for prisoners are safe, decent and humane.

Issues of concern that the IMB has bought to the attention of the Prison Service and the Minister include:

• A 63% rise in self-harm incidents and the need for greater mental health support to meet the significant demand across the prison.
• A 57% increase in violence during the reporting year.
• Ongoing and frequent problems with the ageing infrastructure. Poor living conditions included temperamental heating and water supplies, vermin infestations and most prisoners sharing cells built for one, in which they eat, sleep and use the toilet.

However, the IMB is pleased to report that:

• Overall members observed positive, productive relationships between staff and prisoners during monitoring visits, in particular the support provided by reception staff to prisoners on arrival.
• There was notable progress in the handling of property at HMP Cardiff and a reduction in lost property reported via Board applications (prisoners’ written representations to the IMB).
• Additional outreach support was provided for those who are neurodivergent or have additional learning needs across skills, work and educational activities, to increase opportunities for employment on release.
• The Board recognised the vital and positive contribution of agencies working with the prison such as Dyfodol on substance misuse, and Invisible Walls providing essential family support.

IMB Cardiff Chair, Lynne Schofield said:

“The impact of prison overcrowding, both nationally and in HMP Cardiff, cannot be underestimated. The Board recognises this pressure is unlikely to be reduced unless significant measures are taken on a national basis and calls on the UK government to deliver rapidly on its commitment to address prison population pressures.

Overcrowding is not simply a concern in terms of cell-sharing. As our report outlines, it causes a knock-on effect on services within the prison and the ability of staff to resolve issues, it escalates tensions and negatively impacts on the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners. We will continue to closely monitor these issues over the upcoming reporting year.

Despite these significant pressures, the Board recognises the strong multi-agency working and communication between staff, prisoner peers and agencies working on delivering positive support to often vulnerable prisoners.”