The unfair cost of living alone

Here are just a few of the many letters and emails we received on the issue of whether those of us who are single pay unfairly over the odds

Single supplement con

■ My biggest gripe is being charged a single supplement for holidays when I am given a single room! They are usually small, rather poky, with the minimum of furniture. In Europe, you are invariably given a double room. Any company that bans the single supplement would get my custom. It is tantamount to a ‘tax’. At least Dick Turpin wore a mask! Annette Butler, by email

Food for thought

■ There was a time when the single person was catered for but not now. We used to be able to buy the amount that we needed, eg 4oz or 113g of butter. Nowadays most, if not all, packs are made up for more than one person, which means a waste of food because the single shopper cannot use the larger pack. This adds to the weekly food bill. You won’t get any politicians standing up for the single person and the supermarkets would bleat because it would cost more. Vera Turnbull, by email

Recipe plea

■ My main complaint is with published recipes, usually for four or more. If only there were more recipes for two it would be easier to halve, double or treble as needed. Also, it would be helpful if they added freezing instructions. I have found that Iceland make some lovely ready meals for one.

Maureen Adams, Hampshire

A good deal

■ I totally agree that we pay more for being single – cruise prices are eye watering. However, I have discovered bargain weekend breaks in London

– see London Imperial Hotels Capital Weekend 2-Night Packages. There’s a choice of accommodation in Bloomsbury. The packages include vouchers for meals in the group’s restaurants which would otherwise be typically London expensive. The meals vary in cuisine and can be taken from lunchtime to late and the restaurants are all pleasant for solos. The website is www.imperialhotels.co.uk/en/specialoffers/capital-weekend-2-night-package Margaret Barr, by email

It’s discrimination

■ Recently widowed, I am appalled by the extortionate amount we are charged for a single room. While I accept that sole occupancy of a double room is charged at a supplement, why am I expected to pay extra for a tiny room pushed out of the way? How can this be justified when I am using one bed and probably spending money in the bar? I did not choose to be a widow and take holidays on my own and as a pensioner, I certainly do not have money to waste. I feel that this practice is verging on discrimination. Tricia Cornforth, by email

Let’s celebrate ‘oneness’

■ Considering the rising number of people living on their own, both through choice and circumstance, there are few financial benefits. For example, if I want to go to the theatre on my own, a costly treat these days, I often find there are odd single seats available scattered across the seating plan. Why not sell these at a reduced rate for singles while achieving a ‘full house?’ While some supermarkets sell ready meals for singles, they aren’t included in the special offers i.e. three for £5 or meal deals. Why not promote a special meal deal for us, a main meal plus side, dessert and a small bottle of wine? While we might be content on our own, we are constantly reminded of the outdated idea that a couple is still the norm. Time to celebrate ‘oneness!’ Hazel Reynolds, Gateshead

■ Although retirement age, I have had to get a part-time job to supplement my pension. My outgoings, mortgage, utilities, etc, total more than £500 per month, without buying food, petrol or clothes. Many of the married women, especially the younger ones, cannot understand when I say I cannot afford meals or nights out but I have the same bills to be paid as they do but on one income. My only concession is single person council tax. More provision should be made for people on their own. Mrs J Green, by email