Letter: Inflation claims that don't add up

THE GOVERNMENT claims that the inflation rate is now at 1.7 per cent, the lowest for 25 years. The Pensioners' Rights Campaign, Wales, begs to differ. I have researched the figures of state pensions and earnings from 1971. Since 1981 the state pension has increased each year by the same percentage as inflation. In 1985 the state pension was pounds 38.30 for the single person, in 1986 it was parsimoniously increased by 40p to pounds 38.70. So in 1985 inflation was slightly above 1.01 per cent to two decimal places. 1985 is just eight years ago, not 25.

B E Davies

Pensioners' Rights Campaign

Cardiff, Wales