Don’t say pensioners should pay for Brexit

I FOUND Peter Herridge’s letter

(Viewpoints, August 10) to be insulting to people over 65, especially those who receive a public service pension and a state pension.

I also thought it displayed woeful ignorance about our tax system. I am taxed on my pensions and that is my business.

The triple lock exists to protect those relying on the state pension alone from falling into poverty.

I don’t think he should be stirring up anger towards the over 65s or any other group.

We did not all vote for Brexit and we have contributed to society paying our taxes and National Insurance contributions.

I am a member of a campaigning group for pensioners and, thankfully, we strive vigorously to protect the rights of pensioners.

So, I suggest we banish all thoughts of increasing taxes on pensions, and meanwhile, Mr Herridge should do his homework about our tax system before singling out the over 65s or any other group. Denise Stallman, Salford

●IN response to Peter Herridge, pensioners pay tax on their income like everybody else.

If their income including state pension, company pension and private pensions come above £11,500 they will pay tax at the standard rates like every working person.

Regarding the triple lock, the current basic state pension is £122.30 per week (based on a 35 hour week is £3.49/hr, lower than the living wage for a 16-year-old apprentice) So a 2.5 per cent rise in pension would be £3.05 per week.

Most public service pensions are generous but that’s down to the employer not the employee.

This country was built on democracy, so when we have a democratic vote we have to abide by the result, not go round punishing people who didn’t vote the way you wanted them to. Jim Taylor, Stockport

●REGARDS the letter from Peter Herridge, he says the Brexit bill should be paid for by over 65s who predominantly voted out – what utter rubbish!

I agree it was mainly older people who voted to leave but if he had a valid point, and the referendum had gone the other way, the remainers only should pick up the weekly membership bill of £350 million. Everyone had the vote and the decision was made we have a good future let’s all make it work. Phil Meakin, Salford