Super reset

John Roughan observes (Weekend Herald, August 6) correctly that “governments of both parties . . . remain prisoners to the most insidious rationale for universal superannuation — the idea that, without it, the well-off would not accept the high taxes needed to sustain the welfare state”.

Clearly, universalism worked in the past because there were both fewer superannuitants and vastly fewer wealthy people. There was also more generous support for families raising children who are so vital for a healthy, ageing, society.

But the demographics have changed significantly, so too the taxation regime. It is timely to reset the model, not by implementing more universal measures but substantial provision for the most needy and significant support for the young. Janfrie Wakim, Epsom.