‘Something for nothing’ cannot keep going on

MUCH has already been said about restoring the triple lock for pensioners.

Please don’t think me a killjoy but let’s put things in perspective.

Many people, including pensioners, have received, or will receive, various sums since the fuel crisis and cost-ofliving increases, among them the following: £150 council tax rebate; £400 rebate from your energy supplier; £300 one-off benefit to low income pensioners; £150 one-off disability payment; £650 one-off payment for those on Universal Credit; £250 winter fuel allowance for pensioners (£350 for over-80s).

All these benefits add up to a tidy sum. All paid for courtesy of HM Treasury.

So why are so many people “looking a gift horse in the mouth” and bleating on about Government possibly reneging on the triple lock?

There are many people, pensioners included, who have handsome private pensions in addition to the state pension, who do not necessarily need (as opposed to want) the winter fuel allowance.

Elderly members of the House of Lords are a prime example. But the winter fuel allowance for pensioners makes no distinction in this respect.

Inflation is measured on a variety of increases in everyday shopping, food, fuel, furniture, fridges and many household goods which, with the exception of the first two, never happen weekly.

Inflation should be measured by essentials not wants, to put a more honest perspective to increases in wage demands. Taxes in this country must inevitably go up to accommodate the cost of running the country to a standard expected regardless of which party is in Government.

No Government has money of its own to spend – it only decides how to spend our money. Raising tax thresholds is the best way to put money in the pockets of the lower paid and this will have a knock-on effect further up the scale.

If certain employees want more money, why does it have to be a “percentage” rise, which is hardly fair when it comes to the highest earners?

After all, the poor and the higher paid still shop at the same shops, you don’t pay any more for your groceries just because you earn more. You get “owt for nowt” as they say “up north” and the sooner this country learns this, the better!

Edward Kynaston Lydney