Police Review Letters
Sentinel House
163 Brighton Road
Coulsden
Surrey
CR5 2YH

5th February 2007

RE: Digging deep.

Dear Editor,

I was somewhat disappointed about the content and tone of your article designed to investigate whether £26 million was value for money for the Police Federation of England and Wales' new headquarters at Leatherhead.

It is imperative that the PFEW has a headquarters that is fit for purpose for the 21st century; this is just not the case with the current one at Surbiton. Having attended meetings of Joint Branch Board Chairmen and Secretaries, where this has been extensively discussed, nobody has espoused the view that a new headquarters was unnecessary. In reality that headquarters needed to be near to the seat of government allowing easy access to ministers.

The criticism (implied or otherwise) contained within the article appears to focus upon the inclusion of a hotel with such "outlandish luxuries" as en suite rooms with colour televisions, a bar, a gymnasium and a pool. You'll be telling us next that soft toilet paper as opposed to squares of newspaper is to be provided!!! The practice of doing one's ablutions in communal facilities, along with outside toilets, has thankfully long been consigned to the annals of history and Carry On films.

The PFEW should not accept the provision of outdated, substandard accommodation for members undertaking any policing duties. On that basis it should not expect representatives undertaking training or attending meetings to do so either.

The PFEW spent £330,000 last year on the provision of hotel accommodation for essential training for representatives. This will be a saving with the opening of Leatherhead. Additionally, if the new accommodation at Leatherhead is to attract outside businesses and generate income then it needs to provide modern facilities that are viewed, not as luxurious but the norm in the 21st century.

Financial experts always recommend buying property as an excellent investment. In 1969 Surbiton was bought for £89,000. Today it is worth £3.75M, a 42 fold increase. If the same happens with Leatherhead, in 38 years time the value will be a staggering £1.1 billion. Not a bad return I would suggest.

Yours faithfully,

Ian Pointon
Kent JBB Chairman