How pensioners have been left in dire straits | Letters

Scott Wilson, Kathleen Roberts, Dr Rhys Jenkins and Richard Hyman on the hardship of having to live on a low state pension

I was disappointed to see Nils Pratley (The chancellor's position on lifting the state pension makes no sense, 23 June) support the contention that the UK can't afford a cost of living increase in pensions . A 10% rise in the state pension of 9,500 is 950 - compare that with the likely 1,800 rise in energy costs. How would the extra cash received by poorer pensioners who wholly or mainly depend on the state pension contribute to inflation? Most would go into the pockets of the energy companies. Surely it would be fairer to have a more progressive tax system for richer pensioners or a progressive rise in energy costs, where the unit price could increase with the amount consumed?
Scott Wilson
Strathkinness, Fife

Perhaps the pundits and pontificators decrying the return of the triple lock for pensioners should think about how they would manage on an income of 9,500 per year. This year, the state pension rose by 3.1%, which represented a real reduction of 6% for those forced to exist on this measly amount. The promise of a return to the triple lock next year still leaves state pensioners in shameful poverty - 10% of bugger all is bugger all.
Kathleen Roberts
Harrogate, North Yorkshire