THE PROBATION SERVICE in Wales is at risk of being overwhelmed unless urgent action is taken to improve staffing, pay and working conditions, MPs have warned.

A new report by the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee, titled Jagged Justice: Prisons, Probation and Rehabilitation in Wales, says probation staff are working under “exceptionally challenging circumstances” and have been “stretched to their limit”.

The report, published today, also says there is merit in exploring whether probation and youth justice should be devolved to Wales, so services can be designed more closely around Welsh communities.

The committee found that the Probation Service in Wales manages around 15,300 people at any one time, including those serving community sentences, people released from prison, and prisoners preparing for release.

MPs heard evidence that all six Probation Delivery Units in Wales had been rated either “requires improvement” or “inadequate”, although North Wales was singled out as an example of strong practice.

The report says new tools being piloted in Wales may help reduce pressure on staff, but warns that technology alone will not solve the problem.

The committee said: “Probation staff in Wales have been stretched to their limit and without tangible investment in additional officers at a national level, as well as measures to improve retention, the service runs the risk of being overwhelmed in the future.”

MPs have called on the Ministry of Justice to review staffing levels, pay and working conditions as part of its forthcoming strategic review of probation.

They also said the UK Government should set out clear steps and timelines for deciding whether probation and youth justice should be devolved to the Welsh Government.

Napo, the trade union representing probation and family court staff, welcomed the report.

General Secretary Ian Lawrence said: “It is encouraging to see a Parliamentary Committee recognise issues that Napo has been raising for many years.

“The recommendation to explore the devolution of probation in Wales reflects our long-held view that services are often most effective when they are designed and delivered closer to the communities they serve.

“We’re also pleased that the committee agrees that probation staff cannot continue to do more with less.

“If governments are serious about reducing reoffending and making greater use of community alternatives to custody, then staffing levels, pay and working conditions must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

The wider report also raises concerns about overcrowding, rehabilitation, prison healthcare, Welsh women being held in prisons in England, and the impact of the current “jagged edge” between reserved justice powers and devolved services such as health, housing and education.

The committee said justice remains a UK Government responsibility, but many of the services needed to reduce reoffending are run in Wales.

That split, MPs said, makes joined-up rehabilitation harder and strengthens the case for looking again at whether Wales should have more control over parts of the justice system.

Napo said it would continue to press both the UK and Welsh Governments to engage directly with probation staff and unions as discussions over the future of justice services in Wales continue.

PUPILS at Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fishguard are celebrating after the school’s Breakfast Club received a generous grant from CK’s Supermarket.

The funding was awarded through CK’s Making a Difference initiative, following nominations from parents.

Staff said the children were delighted to hear the news and are now putting together a wish list for items that could benefit the club.

The school thanked CK’s and the parents who supported the nomination.

A spokesperson said: “Breakfast Club pupils at Holy Name School, Fishguard were delighted to hear the news that, thanks to parent nominations, we were awarded a very generous grant from CK Supermarket as part of their Making a Difference initiative.

“The pupils and staff would like to thank CK’s and the parents that nominated us, and are excitedly thinking about putting together a wish list.”

WELSH LABOUR has challenged Plaid Cymru over fears that badger culling could return as part of the new Welsh Government’s approach to bovine TB.

Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates questioned First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth in the Senedd today, Tuesday (Jun 9), after Plaid Cymru’s manifesto pledged a “new approach” to managing bovine TB which recognises wildlife as a source of infection and allows “scientifically validated control methods”.

Labour says the wording has raised concerns among animal welfare campaigners that badger culling could be reconsidered in Wales.

During First Minister’s Questions, Mr Skates asked: “What is Plaid Cymru’s preferred method of killing badgers? Is it to shoot badgers? To poison badgers? Perhaps bludgeon them, or gas them?

“Would you want the badgers shot or poisoned or do you have another method in mind?”

The First Minister did not rule out badger culling in his response, according to Welsh Labour.

However, Plaid Cymru has not explicitly said it will reintroduce badger culling. Its manifesto refers to “scientifically validated control methods”, wording which could cover a range of approaches unless ministers provide further clarification.

The issue remains highly sensitive in rural Wales. Farmers and farming unions have long argued that wildlife transmission must be addressed as part of any serious bovine TB strategy, while animal welfare campaigners strongly oppose any return to culling.

Labour said the previous Welsh Government rejected badger culling following research which it said showed the practice was cruel and ineffective in tackling the spread of bovine TB.

Mr Skates said: “I was appalled that the First Minister dismissed concerns raised about animal welfare today as ‘not a serious question’.

“Plaid Cymru’s approach to the outdated and cruel practice of culling badgers sets a dangerous precedent around how they will approach animal welfare. Which animal rights are they prepared to roll back on?

“Welsh Labour will continue to hold the government to account to ensure the progress made on a safer, kinder Wales for animals is not undone.”

Welsh Labour also pointed to its record on animal welfare, including bans on greyhound racing, snares and glue traps.

The Herald has asked Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government to clarify whether badger culling is being considered.