Letter: Pension rights

THE BRITISH state pension is so small it is of no benefit to anyone. Nevertheless, people receive it as a right. Michael Portillo MP, with the imposing title of Chief Secretary to the Treasury, is now describing the state pension as a benefit.

Alistair Burt, a DSS minister, in a letter leaked to one of our members, described the state pension as an 'income maintained benefit'. I wrote to Mr Burt, pointing out that the state pension was introduced by an Act of Parliament in 1907. If it has been transformed into a benefit, would he let the campaign know the date of that Act. Mr Burt is very silent on this matter. Perhaps Mr Portillo will not be so silent.

W E Davies

Pensioners' Rights Campaign

Penarth, S Glam