Overview
- Under a lease signed in 2022, the MoJ cannot break the contract until at least December 2033 and is paying about £4m a year for an empty site, covering rent, rates and security.
- The Public Accounts Committee says taxpayers are also liable for around £68m of fabric improvements over the lease period.
- HMP Dartmoor was fully vacated in 2024 after radon readings up to ten times recommended limits, with more than 600 prisoners moved elsewhere.
- The MoJ defends the decision as necessary during a capacity crisis and says it will wait for the ongoing HSE review before deciding on remediation or reopening.
- More than 500 former prisoners and staff are pursuing claims over alleged exposure, and the Duchy of Cornwall remains the landlord.