Can you please stop quoting a pension figure (£185.15) that applies only to fairly recent retirees (Liz Truss faces unrest over public spending cuts and pensions triple lock threat, 18 October)? If you were born before 6 April 1951 (if you’re a man) and 6 April 1953 (if you’re a woman), you only get the old basic state pension (currently £141.85), even if you have paid national insurance contributions for over 40 years.
Any percentage increase only widens this gap, of course. Upgrading our pensions to the £185.15 a week paid to newer retirees would make a huge difference to older people who are now being discriminated against while facing the same cost of living challenges as newer pensioners.
Gilla Evans
Penzance, Cornwall
Could any person of any political party please explain to me why my mother may be entitled to more food than I am? I live with her, and her pension is protected by the triple lock. My disability payments may not increase with inflation. Why is it considered acceptable to have a policy which leaves people with disabilities hungry and cold?
Sarah Davis
Coulsdon, London
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