Perks for pensioners should be means-tested

SIR – Unlike Robert Plant, I am not a multimillionaire rock star, but I do receive the tax-free winter fuel allowance (report, December 6), which I do not need. This is paid to all old people, irrespective of their circumstances.

I also receive more than £300 every week as a state pension (taxable), which again I do not really need.

All welfare benefits should be means-tested. Many billions could be saved each year by making these payments only to those elderly people who need state financial support. Peter Froggatt

Dorking, Surrey SIR – By using Gift Aid, Robert Plant could turn his £300 allowance into a donation of £375 to help those in need. Myles Walker

Penrith, Cumbria

SIR – Why does everybody assume that the answer to the fair distribution of the winter fuel payment is to set up an expensive means-testing system?

The tax system can be used at far less cost. All higher-rate tax payers of pensionable age could have their allowances reduced by an appropriate amount. Ian Stewart

Crowborough, East Sussex