READER Stuart Waddington says pensioners should stop moaning (BEN, November 12), and has got the impression he is picking up the tab for them. This is not so. The only tab he is picking up, and he's not alone in this, is for the influx of people who came into this country in the early 60s, and asylum seekers, folk who haven't paid a penny into Government coffers but get every assistance possible.

Some time ago, I don't know whether it was the Tories or this Government, but a ruling was changed which related to pensions based on the cost of living. Because of the change, it is said pensioners have suffered to the extent of £22 per week, which works out at £1,144 per annum. The £100 given by Gordon Brown looks pretty sick against that figure.

Pensioners still pay Income Tax. A personal friend of mine, a pensioner, paid in the last tax year, £765 tax on his state and works pensions, and interest on his savings. He looked after his affairs, just as Mr Waddington Snr did, and this is the outcome. So who's picking up the tab?

As for free TV licences, well you do have to be 75 to get this concession. Personally I felt a fairer way would have been for all pensioners to pay £50.

You're not fascist or being disrespectful, Stuart, for stating your views. It's a free county. We are still entitled to our views.

G Smith

Bradford Park , Bolton

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