HMP Dartmoor, a historic prison located in Princetown, Devon, has been vacant since July 2024 due to the detection of high levels of radon gas, a radioactive substance harmful to health. Despite its closure and deteriorating conditions, including vermin infestations, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) continues to pay £1.5 million annually to the Duchy of Cornwall, the estate providing private income to Prince William.
The lease agreement, renewed in March 2022 for a 25-year term, obligates the MoJ to cover maintenance and repairs, even as the prison remains unoccupied. If the MoJ opts to terminate the contract early, it faces an additional £13.5 million penalty. The National Audit Office has raised concerns about the value for money in this arrangement, especially given the prison's severe disrepair and uncertain future.
Local residents of Princetown express apprehension regarding the prison's prolonged closure, fearing negative impacts on the community. They urge the Duchy to reinvest in the area to mitigate potential economic and social repercussions.
This situation has intensified scrutiny of the financial operations of royal estates, particularly the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, which are exempt from capital gains and corporation tax. Critics argue that such arrangements necessitate reevaluation to ensure fairness and accountability, especially when public funds are involved.