Letter: Disguised welfare

Sir: Your call for honesty of argument over financing the welfare state (Leading article, 21 May) is fine so far as it goes, but it makes no mention of the variety or size of tax reliefs made available to the already comfortably off. As one of these, I get tax relief on my house mortgage and insurance plans, and concessions on PEP, Tessa and so on. These and other benefits are 'targeted', in effect, at those fortunate enough to have a home and other capital.

We must surely look critically at the disguised welfare system enjoyed by the affluent before adding to the afflictions endured by the poor, the old and the sick.

Yours,

RONALD HIGGINS

Vowchurch, Hereford