Tories’ priorities

IN THE Eighties, when Margaret Thatcher was in power, the now grey- haired voters were paying mortgage interest rates of up to 18 per cent, when wages were low.

On top of this, they were uncertain times regarding jobs. In that decade, I was made redundant six times, only two of which attracted redundancy payments — of £375 and £2,500.

Unemployment benefit was in the region of £21 a week for a married man. I calculate I lost a year’s wages and contributions to two pension funds, as I could not keep up the payments and all monies paid in to them were swallowed up by management fees.

Today, my wife and I are still paying off the winter fuel bills for last year, yet the Conservatives are considering taking away the Winter Fuel Payment, except for those passing a means test.

I would like to suggest that if the country can’t afford these payments, it certainly can’t afford the exorbitant expenses claimed by MPs or the £300 daily allowance payable to members of the House of Lords.

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