News / HMP Bristol
‘Systemic challenges’ at Bristol Prison
A new report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has revealed significant issues in conditions and welfare at HMP Bristol.
The report, published on Thursday morning, shows numerous areas of concern, including overcrowding and poor rates of reintegration following release from custody.
In 2023, the chief inspector of prisons labelled HMP Bristol as “one of the most unsafe prisons in the country”.
While the report does show areas of improvement for the prison, the IMB say these issues undermine progress that is being made.
HMP Bristol has “poor conditions” and “limited support” for prisoners
The report shows that mental and physical wellbeing continues to be impacted at Bristol Prison, with issues including access to mental health medication and cell cleanliness both being flagged.
The IMB also describes “poor conditions” and overcrowding within three of the prison’s wings, saying: “The typical situation is that cells are occupied by two prisoners in cells originally designed for one.”
They elaborated that the prison’s B wing, which consists of 99 single-occupancy cells, has no in-cell sanitation facilities, and that prisoners often struggle to achieve bathroom access.
“Prisoners tell us this can take some time and on occasions they resort to using bottles and may pour urine out of the windows,” the IMB wrote.
HMP Bristol also has low rates of success reintegration, with one in five prisoners being released homeless and 70 per cent being “unable to meet with the resettlement team prior to their release”.
IMB regards these services as “key to prisoners re-joining the community and reducing re-offending rates.”
The report shows that the prison received 1,638 complaints from prisoners between August 2024 and July 2025, focusing on the topics of wing issues, cell conditions and incentives schemes.
IMB chair Eric Gatling said: “HMP Bristol has had a turbulent history in recent years.
“The improvements for prisoners made by the Governor and staff at HMP Bristol have been welcomed by the IMB.
“However, issues still exist, especially given the continuing high demand for prison places, poor conditions for prisoners and the limited support for prisoners on release.
“There appears to be no immediate solution to these issues, and in the meantime, it is negatively affecting both prisoners and staff at HMP Bristol.”
All photos: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
