Dartmoor prison lease could cost taxpayers about £100 million

MPs say the Ministry of Justice is paying about £4m a year to lease HMP Dartmoor while it remains closed for radon contamination, and an additional £68m of improvement costs are expected over the first decade of the lease.

The Ministry of Justice is paying to lease HMP Dartmoor even though the prison is closed because of radon contamination. The lease was signed by HM Prisons and Probation Service in 2022 and began on 25 December 2023 amid pressure over prison capacity. HMP Dartmoor was closed in August 2024 after radon levels were reported as above recommended limits. A Commons committee has reported on the financial and procedural consequences of the decision. Key points: - The government is reported to be paying about £4 million a year for the Dartmoor lease, covering rent, business rates and security. - Additional fabric improvement costs of around £68 million are reported as expected over the first decade of the lease. - The first break clause in the contract cannot reportedly be exercised until 2033, which could mean up to ten years of costs while the site remains unoccupied. - HM Prisons and Probation Service is awaiting the Health and Safety Executive's review of workplace radon rules before deciding what work would be needed and whether reopening is appropriate. Summary: The Commons committee said the decision has significant financial consequences and strongly criticised the department's handling of the lease. Officials report they will await the HSE review of radon regulations before assessing required works or considering contractual options. Undetermined at this time.